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Norman L. Arends

Trial Court · Baca · Baca

Meets Standards(Retain)2 cycles on record

Evaluation history

  • 1996 retention cycle
    Trial Court · Baca · Baca
    Meets Standards(Retain)
    Retention Year: 1996 Recommendation: Retain The Judicial Performance Commission for the 15th Judicial District recommends that Judge Norman L. Arends BE RETAINED. Judge Arends received his law degree from the University of Colorado School of Law, and was admitted to the Colorado Bar in 1966. Judge Arends was a general practice attorney, focusing in practice in Cheyenne County, Colorado. Judge Arends has also served as the Cheyenne County Court Judge, Cheyenne County Attorney, Cheyenne Walls City Attorney, and Deputy District Attorney. Judge Arends was appointed to the district court bench in 1987, and now serves as Chief Judge for the 15th Judicial District. Judge Arends met with the Judicial Performance Commission on May 8, 1996, at which time the Commission found overall approval for Judge Arends. The vast majority of those who provided opinions through surveys recommended Judge Arends’ retention. The Commission was impressed with the breadth and depth of Judge Arends’ knowledge of the law. The Commission also notes that Judge Arends’ agricultural background makes him especially effective in the 15th Judicial District. Judge Arends’ self-evaluation was more critical of his performance than were the attorney and litigant evaluations. The Commission and those providing surveys gave him high marks to Judge Arends for his knowledge of sustentative law and procedure. Members of the Commission expressed individual concerns about Judge Arends’ involvement in Colorado East Bank & Trust. Judge Arends informed the Commission that, prior to his involvement with the bank, he sought opinions form the appropriate authorities regarding his involvement with the bank. The Commission found that Judge Arends’ involvement in the bank had no adverse affect upon the impartial administration of justice in his courtroom, and that Judge Arends has taken appropriate steps to ensure public confidence of the legal system. There were no apparent concerns or problems involving Judge Arends in gender bias in the courtroom. Judge Arends notes that men tend to feel that women get preference in custody cases. Judge Arends state that he is solely guided by the best interest of the children. Judge Arends recognizes that domestic relations cases are difficult for litigants and attorneys alike, are highly emotional, and require sensitive treatment for all litigants. The Commission note that Judge Arends is fair in sentencing in the criminal cases, and that he is concerned at the rising tide of juvenile offenders. Judge Arends believes that early intervention in those cases is of upmost importance. Based upon the interviews and the opinions provided in the survey of attorneys, litigants and staff, it was the position of the Judicial Performance Commission to recommend retention of Judge Norman L. Arends.
  • 1990 retention cycle
    Trial Court · Baca · Baca
    Meets Standards(Retain)
    VotersRetained· 63.1% yes
    4,142 yes · 2,422 no50% needed to retain
    Retention Year: 1990 Recommendation: Retain Judicial Performance Commission’s recommendation: Should Be Retained. Judge Arends is the 15th Judicial District’s Chief Judge. He was appointed to the District Court in 1987. He served as a county judge for the Cheyenne County Court from 1982-1987. After graduating from the University of Colorado School of Law in 1966, he had a private practice in Cheyenne Wells for 19 years during the years of 1967-1986. Arends had presided over criminal, civil, juvenile, mental health, probate and domestic relations cases. The evaluations of Judge Arends contained very high recommendations from the attorneys, jurors, probation/social services and law enforcement. Based upon survey information, Arends’ decisions were found to be viewed as clear and thorough and to display knowledge of the law. A common concern regarding the district courtroom is the inability to hear adequately. This is more a characteristic of the building rather than a particular judge. Arends was seen by law enforcement to be “fair in both sentencing and in his hearing of cases.” In criminal matters, “Judge Arends is a credit to the bench in the 15th Judicial. He is profoundly dignified, fair and impartial.”

Surveys & reports

No survey reports on record for this judge.

Sources