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Paul David Smith

Trial Court · Ouray · Ouray

Meets Standards(Retain)3 cycles on record

Evaluation history

  • 1998 retention cycle
    Trial Court · Ouray · Ouray
    Meets Standards(Retain)
    Retention Year: 1998 Recommendation: Retain The Seventh Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance recommends that Judge Paul David Smith BE RETAINED. Judge Smith was appointed County Judge of Ouray County in January 1980. Prior to this appointment he served as Ouray Municipal Judge and was an attorney in private practice. Judge Smith's caseload is apportioned: 60% traffic, 15% civil, 10% misdemeanor, 10% miscellaneous, and 5% felony complaints. Judge Smith strives to keep abreast of the law in a community that lacks readily available legal library resources. In his 18 years on the bench he has only been overturned once on appeal. Judge Smith attempts to follow general guidelines and standards for sentencing but treats each case in his court on its merits. Comments solicited from attorneys, court personnel and citizens that have appeared in his court, were very favorable towards Judge Smith's performance. Participants in the survey commented favorable on Judge Smith's professional approach. Some complaints were voiced about delays in court sessions. Judge Smith explained that he frequently delays the beginning of sessions to allow participants an opportunity to reach the isolated community of Ouray. Attorney evaluations showed that 87% believed Judge Smith should be retained. Non-attorney evaluation responses were small in number but showed similarly strong support for retention. The Seventh Judicial District Judicial Performance Review Commission unanimously recommends that Judge Paul David Smith be retained.
  • 1994 retention cycle
    Trial Court · Ouray · Ouray
    Meets Standards(Retain)
    Retention Year: 1994 Recommendation: Retain Judge Paul David Smith was appointed as County Judge of Ouray County in 1980. His current caseload is predominately traffic cases, but he also hears a small number of misdemeanor and felony complaint cases. Judge Smith serves as a 35% part-time judge. He views his role as a judge to be that of a fair administrator of justice. Courthouse personnel, law enforcement personnel and attorney evaluation questionnaires rated Judge Smith above average in most areas, including compassion, integrity and unbiased decision making. Some respondents noted that Judge Smith was not always punctual on commencing proceedings or prompt rulings. Of the total responses received, 89% recommended retention, 5% recommended he not be retained and 6% had no opinion. When interviewed, the judge admitted he intentionally begins court a few minutes late in order to save time by not having to repeat advisement to stragglers. Judge Smith also indicated frustration regarding the lack of resources available to the court, such as a law library or a sufficient among of court staff. However, the judge stated he enjoys his work. The members of the 7th Judicial District Commission recommend that Judge Paul David Smith BE RETAINED.
  • 1990 retention cycle
    Trial Court · Ouray · Ouray
    Meets Standards(Retain)
    Retention Year: 1990 Recommendation: Retain Judicial Performance Commission’s recommendation: Should Be Retained. Judge Smith, 44, has been Ouray County Court Judge since 1980. He is a 1968 graduate of the University of Texas Law School and was admitted to the Texas Bar that year. He moved to Ouray and was admitted to the Colorado Bar in 1976. In addition to practicing law, Judge Smith is the owner of the Buckskin Trading Co. and a real estate firm and is the author of a number of books about Colorado history. Named Ouray County Citizen of the Year in 1980, Smith is a director and past president of the Ouray Historical Society, as well as it 1989 award winner, a member of a committee to select new Episcopal bishop for Colorado, a den leader and vestry of St. John’s Church. His past affiliations include the Ouray Chamber of Commerce, serving as director as vice president, Ouray County EMT Association, being its president in 1980, and Ouray Culinary Arts Guild, as director. A 20% part-time judge, Smith handles traffic cases, preliminary hearings in criminal cases and civil cases involving claims that do not exceed $5,000. Smith considers his attributes as a judge to be patience and a willingness to devote sufficient time to the litigants appearing before him. Of those responding to the survey, all but two expressed no opinion favored retaining Smith. Although he has experienced some difficulty in recent months, primarily form a public perception standpoint, the commission finds him to be professional and conscientious.

Surveys & reports

No survey reports on record for this judge.

Sources