Eighteenth Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable Elizabeth Ann Weishaupl
Retention Year: 2016
Recommendation: Meets Performance Standard
Reports:
2016 Retention Survey Report (PDF)
2013 Interim Survey Report (PDF)
2011 Interim Survey Report (PDF)
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The Eighteenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously recommends by a vote of 10-0 that Judge Elizabeth Ann Weishaupl BE RETAINED.
Judge Elizabeth A. Weishaupl was appointed to the District Court in July 2008 by Governor Ritter. Prior to her appointment, Judge Weishaupl was in private practice and served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Colorado, a First Assistant Attorney General for the State of Colorado, and an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Colorado. She attended the University of Denver for undergraduate school and attained her Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver. Judge Weishaupl is active in the community. She is a regular participant in the Our Courts and We the People programs, and teaches at the National Institute for Trial Advocacy Training (NITA). Judge Weishaupl also teaches at the University of Denver and met with dignitaries from foreign countries to discuss our judicial system. Judge Weishaupl takes seriously her responsibility to mentor law clerks and newer lawyers to assist with their professional development. Judge Weishaupl’s current caseload is 45% criminal, 40% civil, 15% domestic relations, and 1% mental health.
The Commission conducted extensive research before recommending retention. Research included: reviewing survey responses from attorneys and non-attorneys, reviewing Judge Weishaupl’s written self-evaluation, interviews with representatives from the District Attorney’s office, interviews with representatives from the Public Defender’s office, review of a sampling of written orders authored by Judge Weishaupl, and courtroom observations. Of 35 attorneys completing the survey, 77% recommended to retain, 20% not to retain, and 3% neither recommended or did not recommend retention. Of 64 non-attorneys completing the survey, 92% recommended to retain, 3% not to retain, and 5% neither recommended or did not recommend retention. Survey responses were generally favorable. Judge Weishaupl received strong scores for being fair and impartial to both sides and for having a good judicial temperament and demeanor. Surveys described her as well-prepared and respectful of the law. Several surveys, however, noted that she is sometimes slow to rule on motions during and after trial, and that court often started late.
During her interview with the Commission, Judge Weishaupl recognized case management as an opportunity for improvement. She implemented procedures in her division to follow up on pending motions and case status. Judge Weishaupl encourages attorneys and litigants to explore settlement opportunities and case resolution before hearing or trial. Judge Weishaupl explained that she would sometimes delay the start time for legal proceedings if the parties had not previously conferred on pending issues so the attorneys would have an opportunity to speak with each other. The Commission finds that Judge Weishaupl is a dedicated judge and should be retained.