Survey Criteria

The Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission Act specifies the survey topics for evaluating judges. Of course, if a question or topic is inappropriate for a particular category of survey respondents, then it may be omitted. The topics are:

A. Legal ability, including:

  • demonstration of understanding of the substantive law and any relevant rules of procedure and evidence;
  • attentiveness to factual and legal issues before the court;
  • adherence to precedent and ability to clearly explain departures from precedent; and
  • grasp of the practical impact on the parties of the judge's rulings, including the effect of delay and increased litigation expense.

B. Integrity, including:

  • avoidance of impropriety or the appearance of impropriety; and
  • display of fairness and impartiality toward all parties

C. Communication skills, including clearly articulating the basis for written rulings.

D. Judicial temperament, including:

  • demonstration of courtesy toward attorneys, court staff, and
  • other's in the judge's court;
  • maintenance of decorum in the courtroom; and
  • preparedness for oral argument.

E. Administrative performance, including:

  • management of workload;
  • sharing proportionally the workload within the court or district;
  • issuance of opinions and orders without unnecessary delay.

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