Twentieth Judicial District - Boulder County Court Judge
Honorable David R. Torke
Retention Year: 1990
Recommendation: Retain
Judicial Performance Commission’s recommendation: Should Be Retained
Judge Torke was admitted to the Colorado Bar in 1966 and worked in the private practice of law for two years in Greeley, Colo. From 1967 to 1969 he served as a Deputy District Attorney in Boulder County.
He was appointed as an Associate Judge for the Boulder Municipal Court in 1970 and worked in that capacity for three years. During this period of time, he continued in the private practice of law, in Boulder, until his appointment to the Boulder County Court in January 1975, and has served as a County Court Judge for the past 15 years.
In questionnaires, interviews and court observations by the Commission, Torke came across as a complex combination of qualities. A very human person who clearly cares about the accused people who appear before him, he is thoughtful and considerate. At the same time, he appears to have much less concern for the duties and constitutional responsibilities of his position in certain areas. He does not make much effort to go beyond the minimum requirements of this schedule.
In some ways, it appears that Torke treats his position as he would any other job, without special concern for the legal intricacies which may be involved. It is perceived Torke operates his court his own way; perhaps the lower ratings from courthouse and law enforcement personnel attest to that belief.