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James S. Miller

Trial Court · Douglas · Douglas

Meets Standards(Retain)2 cycles on record

Evaluation history

  • 2000 retention cycle
    Trial Court · Douglas · Douglas
    Meets Standards(Retain)
    Retention Year: 2000 Recommendation: Retain The Eighteenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance recommends that Judge James Steven Miller BE RETAINED. Judge Miller received his doctorate in law degree from the University of Memphis in 1980 after earning a bachelor's degree in biology from Franklin & Marshall College (Lancaster, Pa.) in 1974 and a master's degree in science from the University of Memphis in 1977. He practiced law in Memphis, Fort Morgan and Denver, CO, until 1992. He was appointed Douglas County Judge in November 1992, and his current judicial service totals nearly seven and one-half years. His cases are divided roughly as 80% misdemeanors, 10% felonies and 5% civil actions. He also handles District Court cases on assignment. Misdemeanor cases are split almost equally between domestic violence and major traffic offenses, including DUI. Prior to his appointment he was an attorney in private practice. In surveys of non-attorneys, such as jurors, law enforcement officers, and court personnel, 83% recommended retention of Judge Miller, 9% did not, and 7% had no opinion. He received very good ratings for courtesy, impartiality and knowledge and application of the law. He was given good ratings also on diligence, communication skills and judicial temperament. Attorney surveys indicated 86% believe Judge Miller should be retained, 8% did not, while 5% had no opinion.
  • 1996 retention cycle
    Trial Court · Douglas · Douglas
    Meets Standards(Retain)
    Retention Year: 1996 Recommendation: Retain The Commission unanimously recommends that Judge James S. Miller BE RETAINED. Judge James Steven Miller has served on the bench for almost four years. He was first appointed to the Douglas County Court in October, 1992. Prior to then, he maintained a general civil and criminal practice. Judge Miller received his undergraduate degree from Franklin & Marshall College, and his law degree from the University of Memphis. It was very clear from the evaluation that Judge Miller has a great deal of enthusiasm for the opportunity to serve the public as a judge in Douglas County. One of his highest priorities is to enhance the court’s responsiveness to the public’s needs in a fast developing community. His greatest challenge on the bench to date is effectively managing the heavy docket and maintaining public confidence that the decisions are fair to all parties. Judge Miller received very high reviews from attorneys as to his fairness and court demeanor to the parties and litigants. He also excelled in providing prompt rulings and decisions with a demonstrated knowledge of the law.

Surveys & reports

No survey reports on record for this judge.

Sources