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Richard H. Hart

Trial Court · Clear Creek · Clear Creek

Meets Standards(Do Not Retain)2 cycles on record

Evaluation history

  • 2000 retention cycle
    Trial Court · Clear Creek · Clear Creek
    Meets Standards(Do Not Retain)
    VotersRetained· 78.8% yes
    20,548 yes · 5,517 no50% needed to retain
    Retention Year: 2000 Recommendation: Retain The Fifth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance recommends that Judge Richard H. Hart BE RETAINED. Judge Hart was appointed to the Fifth Judicial District Court bench in 1980. He serves as a full time judge in the Fifth Judicial District and handles civil, domestic and criminal cases as well as juvenile and probate cases. The responses from both attorneys and non-attorneys who have observed or worked with Judge Hart indicate he is highly regarded and is qualified to continue his service to the District. Nearly all respondents believe Judge Hart's knowledge of the law, judicial demeanor and concern for every individual's rights are demonstrated in a conscientious, unpretentious manner. Judge Hart acknowledges delays in rendering decisions, especially those requiring lengthy written findings; however, recent changes in administrative practices have been made to allow more time in completing such cases. The Commission discussed with Judge Hart the perception from portions of the public regarding leniency to youthful offenders. After discussion, the Commission believes Judge Hart carefully administers the law, balanced with a genuine concern for juvenile offenders and the specific circumstances of each individual case. The responses to the question of whether Judge Hart should be retained, and the comparison of responses to the same question on a statewide basis, were as follows: Non-attorneys (76 responding): Retain - 80%; Do not retain - 09%; No opinion -11% (State wide, 78% of non-attorneys recommended retention of district judges under consideration for retention, and 13% recommended against retention. Attorneys (63 responding): Retain - 81%; Do not retain - 18%; No opinion -02% (State wide, 85% of non-attorneys recommended retention of district judges under consideration for retention, and 11% recommended against retention. Judge Hart displays genuine concern and determination in the pursuit of justice and the Commission believes he exceeds the standards and expectations of a District Judge. The recommendation of the Commission TO RETAIN Judge Hart is based upon his ability to consistently and effectively administer justice in an efficient and compassionate manner.
  • 1994 retention cycle
    Trial Court · Clear Creek · Clear Creek
    Meets Standards(Retain)
    VotersRetained· 72.7% yes
    10,622 yes · 3,994 no50% needed to retain
    Retention Year: 1994 Recommendation: Retain Judge Richard H. Hart was appointed to the District Court Bench in March 1980. Prior to that time he worked in private practice in Colorado Springs, Denver, and Vail from 1965 – 1980, specializing in general civil law. Judge Hart received his undergraduate degree in English from Yale University in 1962; and received his law degree from the University of Colorado in 1965. Judge Hart presides over a varied caseload that includes civil, criminal, and domestic relations issues. Surveys of attorneys, courthouse personnel, and juror ranked Judge Hart very high for his courtesy and his courtroom demeanor. Several respondents noted that he treats the parties before him with compassion and understanding. Comments also indicted that Judge Hart is generally considered to be a fair judge who displays a sense of justice. Surveys and interviews revealed there is a strong concern over the promptness of ruling from Judge Hart’s court. The Commission recognizes that the size of the caseload in the Fifth Judicial District is a factor in this observation. Interviews indicate Judge Hart is aware of the problem, and is making a conscious effort to end the backlog and issue speedy rulings. There is some concern over Judge Hart’s level of decisiveness. Survey results also indicated a need for a more aggressive approach to dispute resolution in settlement conferences. Judge Hart has a reputation for being a hard worker and responsible. The 5th Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance recommends that Judge Richard H. Hart BE RETAINED.

Surveys & reports

No survey reports on record for this judge.

Sources