Evaluation of the Judiciary Serving Jefferson … Evaluation Archives...Evaluation of the Judiciary Serving Jefferson County, KY ... Joan L. Byer ... Patricia Walker FitzGerald Donna

Evaluation of the Judiciary Serving Jefferson County, KY

Jefferson Circuit Court, Jefferson Circuit Court Senior Status & Jefferson Family Court

Comparison of Judges

Summary Report

The Louisville Bar Association and The Louisville Bar Foundation

600 West Main Street Louisville, KY 40202

January 2005

2013 Evaluation

2013 Jefferson County Judicial Evaluation -- Summary Report of Findings

i

Table of Contents

Background and Methodology ............................................................................................................... 1 General Satisfaction with Performance ................................................................................................. 4 Judicial Temperament Ratings .............................................................................................................. 9 Court Management Ratings ................................................................................................................. 14 Judicial Integrity Ratings ...................................................................................................................... 19 Legal Ability Ratings ............................................................................................................................ 24 Civil Cases Ratings ............................................................................................................................. 29 Criminal Cases Ratings ....................................................................................................................... 34 Prepared by:

Thoroughbred Research Group 1941 Bishop Lane, Suite 1017 Louisville, KY 40218 www.torinc.net


1

Background and

Methodology


2

Background and Methodology

Background The Louisville Bar Association (LBA) contracted the services of Thoroughbred Research Group to assist in its annual review of the performance of sitting judges. The LBA sent evaluations to all Kentucky Bar Association members with contact addresses in Jefferson County to rate the performance of various judges with whom they have had experience over the past two years. Jefferson Circuit Court and Jefferson Family Court judges were included in the evaluation for 2013. Methodology In April 2013, letters and postcards were sent to an estimated 4,435 LBA members informing them of the annual Judicial Evaluation. Members who were qualified to participate in the review were asked to fill out the postcard request and return it to Thoroughbred Research Group no later than April 18. A total of 815 postcard requests were received by the postmark date. Survey packets and return envelopes were mailed to the 815 members in early May. A reminder was posted on the LBA website approximately two weeks later. Respondents were asked to return the completed evaluation forms to Thoroughbred Research Group postmarked no later than May 17, 2013. A total of 433 completed survey forms were returned in time to be included in the tabulation. Response Rate Because of the size of the litigation bar and the nature of such practice, only a limited number of attorneys have had significant experience with a particular judge in a specific court. Consequently, from the original 4,435 attorneys who received notice of the evaluation, just a fraction could reasonably be expected to respond to the survey questions. Of those attorneys who were qualified and agreed to respond to the evaluation, many may have significant experience in only one of the courts evaluated or with a limited number of the judges listed. Still, the number of lawyers responding is more than adequate to result in a statistically valid evaluation of the judiciary.


3

The judges rated during the 2013 evaluation and the total number of respondents rating each judge are shown below: Jefferson Circuit Court

A. C. McKay Chauvin (n=261) Susan Shultz Gibson (n=215) Olu A. Stevens (n=262)

Frederic J. Cowan (n=239) Judith E. McDonald-Burkman (n=259) Barry Willett (n=269)

Charles L. Cunningham, Jr. (n=250) Mitchell L. Perry (n=252)

Audra J. Eckerle (n=220) James M. Shake (n=291)

Brian C. Edwards (n=234) Mary M. Shaw (n=216)

Jefferson Circuit Court -- Senior Status

Martin F. McDonald (n=205)

Jefferson Family Court

Dolly Wisman Berry (n=128) Patricia Walker FitzGerald (n=129) Joseph W. O’Reilly (n=141)

Jerry J. Bowles (n=137) Eleanore M. Garber (n=119) Paula F. Sherlock (n=127)

Joan L. Byer (n=144) Stephen M. George (n=127)

Donna Delahanty (n=110) Hugh Smith Haynie, Jr. (n=126)

Note: Having been elected in November 2012, Circuit Court Judge Angela McCormick Bisig did not have the requisite six months experience on the bench to be included in the 2013 evaluation. Questionnaire The survey instrument included a series of 19 attributes for the circuit court and 18 attributes for the family court that were used to evaluate the performance of each judge. Respondents were asked to indicate the extent to which they agreed or disagreed with each statement used to describe a particular judge using a four-point rating scale of strongly disagree, disagree, agree and strongly agree. Respondents were also given an option to write in any advice they would give to a particular judge to improve his/her performance. These comments were provided only to the applicable judge under separate cover as confidential feedback for his or her personal review. General comments on how to improve the evaluation process or the court system were submitted to the LBA under separate cover. Respondents were instructed to rate only those judges with whom they have had substantial professional contact within the past two years. Where applicable, comparative ratings are shown from the most recent prior Judicial Evaluation in 2010.


4

The rating for this category is based on the level of agreement with the following statement for each judge:

Does a good job overall. This is an independent rating of the above attribute. It is NOT a mathematical average of all other ratings.

General Satisfaction with Performance


5

General Satisfaction with Performance – Jefferson Circuit Court

83%

91%

91%

81%

94%

68%

78%

85%

92%

93%

83%

95%

70%

90%

Judith E. McDonald-Burkman

Susan Shultz Gibson

Brian C. Edwards

Audra J. Eckerle

Charles L. Cunningham, Jr.

Frederic J. Cowan

A.C. McKay Chauvin

2013

2010


6

General Satisfaction with Performance – Jefferson Circuit Court

53%

78%

81%

88%

97%

79%

33%

88%

69%

93%

96%

84%

Martin F. McDonald

Barry Willett

Olu A. Stevens

Mary M. Shaw

James M. Shake

Mitchell L. Perry

2013

2010

Jefferson Circuit Court – Senior Status:


7

General Satisfaction with Performance – Jefferson Family Court

95%

77%

90%

75%

85%

73%

92%

96%

78%

89%

64%

77%

73%

92%

Stephen M. George

Eleanore M. Garber

Patricia Walker FitzGerald

Donna Delahanty

Joan L. Byer

Jerry J. Bowles

Dolly Wisman Berry

2013

2010


8

General Satisfaction with Performance – Jefferson Family Court

84%

66%

82%

79%

57%

83%

Paula F. Sherlock

Joseph W. O'Reilly

Hugh Smith Haynie

2013

2010


9

An average rating was calculated for the performance attributes that make up the Judicial Temperament category. This rating was calculated by averaging the positive ratings for each attribute (“strongly disagree” and “disagree” for negative statements, “agree” and “strongly agree” for positive statements). The performance areas under Judicial Temperament are:

Gives due consideration to arguments of counsel. Conducts court proceedings courteously. Pre-determines the outcome of the case. Refrains from interfering with the role of counsel in case presentation. Conducts court proceedings with objectivity.

Judicial Temperament Ratings


10

Judicial Temperament – Jefferson Circuit Court

82%

92%

94%

83%

93%

80%

79%

83%

92%

96%

84%

92%

74%

86%


Susan Shultz Gibson

Brian C. Edwards

Audra J. Eckerle


Frederic J. Cowan

A.C. McKay Chauvin

2013

2010


11

Judicial Temperament – Jefferson Circuit Court

59%

83%

85%

95%

95%

70%

36%

89%

74%

95%

96%

83%

Martin F. McDonald

Barry Willett

Olu A. Stevens

Mary M. Shaw

James M. Shake

Mitchell L. Perry

2013

2010



12

Judicial Temperament – Jefferson Family Court

96%

77%

93%

86%

71%

71%

88%

92%

78%

89%

80%

75%

75%

90%

Stephen M. George

Eleanore M. Garber


Donna Delahanty

Joan L. Byer

Jerry J. Bowles

Dolly Wisman Berry

2013

2010


13

Judicial Temperament – Jefferson Family Court

83%

67%

81%

82%

60%

84%

Paula F. Sherlock

Joseph W. O'Reilly

Hugh Smith Haynie

2013

2010


14

An average rating was calculated for the performance attributes that make up the Court Management category. This rating was calculated by averaging the positive ratings for each attribute (“agree” and “strongly agree”). The performance areas under Court Management are:

Conducts court business in a timely manner. Is usually available for business during normal working hours. Is familiar with the file so as to consider issues presented. Exercises appropriate control over court proceedings and court personnel.

Court Management Ratings


15

Court Management – Jefferson Circuit Court

91%

94%

96%

92%

97%

76%

94%

94%

95%

95%

92%

98%

75%

95%


Susan Shultz Gibson

Brian C. Edwards

Audra J. Eckerle


Frederic J. Cowan

A.C. McKay Chauvin

2013

2010


16

Court Management – Jefferson Circuit Court

70%

80%

89%

91%

97%

90%

59%

84%

88%

92%

96%

93%

Martin F. McDonald

Barry Willett

Olu A. Stevens

Mary M. Shaw

James M. Shake

Mitchell L. Perry

2013

2010



17

Court Management – Jefferson Family Court

97%

83%

93%

84%

86%

79%

94%

97%

83%

89%

81%

90%

80%

96%

Stephen M. George

Eleanore M. Garber


Donna Delahanty

Joan L. Byer

Jerry J. Bowles

Dolly Wisman Berry

2013

2010


18

Court Management – Jefferson Family Court

88%

75%

83%

85%

74%

82%

Paula F. Sherlock

Joseph W. O'Reilly

Hugh Smith Haynie

2013

2010


19

An average rating was calculated for the performance attributes that make up the Judicial Integrity category. This rating was calculated by averaging the positive ratings for each attribute (“strongly disagree” and “disagree” for negative statements, “agree” and “strongly agree” for positive statements). The performance areas under Judicial Integrity are:

Is influenced by the race, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status of persons appearing in court.

Engages in out-of-court conduct or activity which directly interferes with judicial effectiveness. Is affected by partisan interests in the conduct of the court. Engages in ex parte communications which may prejudice proceedings. Lets personal relationships affect his/her judgment. Adheres to the highest ethical standards in and out of court.

Judicial Integrity Ratings


20

Judicial Integrity – Jefferson Circuit Court

87%

95%

95%

90%

97%

91%

89%

91%

95%

95%

90%

96%

91%

92%


Susan Shultz Gibson

Brian C. Edwards

Audra J. Eckerle


Frederic J. Cowan

A.C. McKay Chauvin

2013

2010


21

Judicial Integrity – Jefferson Circuit Court

72%

90%

87%

98%

97%

87%

55%

93%

81%

97%

96%

90%

Martin F. McDonald

Barry Willett

Olu A. Stevens

Mary M. Shaw

James M. Shake

Mitchell L. Perry

2013

2010



22

Judicial Integrity – Jefferson Family Court

96%

85%

96%

89%

83%

77%

92%

95%

89%

94%

85%

85%

81%

92%

Stephen M. George

Eleanore M. Garber


Donna Delahanty

Joan L. Byer

Jerry J. Bowles

Dolly Wisman Berry

2013

2010


23

Judicial Integrity – Jefferson Family Court

86%

87%

86%

87%

81%

87%

Paula F. Sherlock

Joseph W. O'Reilly

Hugh Smith Haynie

2013

2010


24

The following charts show the level of agreement with the following statement for each judge:

Renders decisions that reflect sound legal analysis.

Legal Ability Ratings


25

Legal Ability – Jefferson Circuit Court

80%

89%

87%

78%

89%

67%

78%

77%

90%

92%

78%

89%

65%

86%


Susan Shultz Gibson

Brian C. Edwards

Audra J. Eckerle


Frederic J. Cowan

A.C. McKay Chauvin

2013

2010


26

Legal Ability – Jefferson Circuit Court

49%

77%

79%

85%

93%

73%

31%

84%

65%

81%

92%

78%

Martin F. McDonald

Barry Willett

Olu A. Stevens

Mary M. Shaw

James M. Shake

Mitchell L. Perry

2013

2010



27

Legal Ability – Jefferson Family Court

95%

74%

93%

67%

82%

66%

87%

93%

78%

88%

58%

78%

72%

90%

Stephen M. George

Eleanore M. Garber


Donna Delahanty

Joan L. Byer

Jerry J. Bowles

Dolly Wisman Berry

2013

2010


28

Legal Ability – Jefferson Family Court

80%

72%

84%

72%

64%

82%

Paula F. Sherlock

Joseph W. O'Reilly

Hugh Smith Haynie

2013

2010


29


Does a good job in handling civil cases.

Civil Cases Ratings


30

Civil Cases – Jefferson Circuit Court

83%

91%

89%

84%

93%

71%

86%

86%

90%

92%

82%

93%

71%

90%


Susan Shultz Gibson

Brian C. Edwards

Audra J. Eckerle


Frederic J. Cowan

A.C. McKay Chauvin

2013

2010


31

Civil Cases – Jefferson Circuit Court

55%

73%

88%

86%

97%

83%

39%

82%

78%

88%

92%

84%

Martin F. McDonald

Barry Willett

Olu A. Stevens

Mary M. Shaw

James M. Shake

Mitchell L. Perry

2013

2010



32

Civil Cases – Jefferson Family Court

95%

77%

92%

79%

87%

74%

81%

96%

79%

89%

63%

82%

77%

93%

Stephen M. George

Eleanore M. Garber


Donna Delahanty

Joan L. Byer

Jerry J. Bowles

Dolly Wisman Berry

2013

2010


33

Civil Cases – Jefferson Family Court

84%

68%

86%

77%

61%

84%

Paula F. Sherlock

Joseph W. O'Reilly

Hugh Smith Haynie

2013

2010


34


Does a good job in handling criminal cases.

Family Court Judges were not evaluated on criminal cases.

Criminal Cases Ratings


35

Criminal Cases – Jefferson Circuit Court

76%

90%

89%

77%

91%

67%

77%

80%

93%

96%

81%

93%

72%

88%


Susan Shultz Gibson

Brian C. Edwards

Audra J. Eckerle


Frederic J. Cowan

A.C. McKay Chauvin

2013

2010


36

Criminal Cases – Jefferson Circuit Court

52%

89%

72%

91%

95%

75%

35%

89%

63%

91%

96%

84%

Martin F. McDonald

Barry Willett

Olu A. Stevens

Mary M. Shaw

James M. Shake

Mitchell L. Perry

2013

2010


Documents

Evaluation of the Judiciary Serving Jefferson … Evaluation Archives...Evaluation of the Judiciary Serving Jefferson County, KY ... Joan L. Byer ... Patricia Walker FitzGerald Donna