Second Judicial District - District Court - Probate Judge
Honorable C. Jean Stewart
Retention Year: 2004
Recommendation: Retain
Reports:
The Second Judicial District Commission on the Judicial Performance unanimously recommends that Judge C. Jean Stewart BE RETAINED.
Judge Stewart was appointed to the Denver Probate Court bench in May of 1995. Prior to her appointment, Judge Stewart was in private practice for 20 years. Judge Stewart received her undergraduate degree in education from Clarion State College, and a Master of Arts degree from Ohio University. She taught at Western Illinois University for four years before attending law school. She received her law degree from the University of Denver College of Law.
The Denver Probate Court has exclusive jurisdiction over the administration and settlement of decedents' estates, the administration of trusts, and the appointment and administration of guardians and conservators. The Court also reviews requests to terminate certification in mental health cases. The Court administers approximately 3,000 cases each year.
Judge Stewart has previously served on the Board of Directors of St. Joseph's Hospital and the Denver Children's Home; however, she has resigned from those Boards to avoid any conflicts of interest on matters before the Probate Court concerning those institutions. She enjoys gardening.
The Commission reviewed written evaluations of Judge Stewart received from attorneys and non-attorneys, including written comments accompanying the evaluation questionnaires. The Commission also reviewed a written self-evaluation completed by Judge Stewart and conducted a personal interview with her.
Judge Stewart received high ratings from both attorneys and non-attorneys in virtually every category, particularly in the areas of professional demeanor, listening patiently, and being fair to both sides. Of the attorneys responding to the questionnaire, 91% recommended that Judge Stewart be retained, and 9% recommended that she not be retained. Of the non-attorneys responding, 83% recommended that she be retained, and 17% recommended that she not be retained