Anthony Nathaniel Baca
County Court · Dolores County · retention evaluations: 2022
2022 retention · County Court · Dolores County
97 percentile · rank 2 of 59
composite 0100
98 percentile · rank 2 of 134
composite 0100
10 9th percentile among peers · 4th percentile statewide
4108
Composite index 93.79 among peers (96.52 statewide): the mean of the three percentiles below. Rank orders by it.
3.90 of 4 · 97.46 percentile
2.503.90
3.90 of 4 · 97.46 percentile
2.453.93
100.00% 86.44 percentile
50.00%100.00%
Attorneys
- Say “meets standards”
- 100.00%
Non-attorneys
- Say “meets standards”
- 86.00%
| Category | Score | Peer median | Peer range (dot is this judge, line is the median) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case Management | 4.00median 3.60 | 3.60 | |
| Application and Knowledge of Law | 3.80median 3.40 | 3.40 | |
| Communications | 3.90median 3.70 | 3.70 | |
| Diligence | 3.70median 3.60 | 3.60 | |
| Demeanor | 4.00median 3.60 | 3.60 | |
| Fairness | 4.00median 3.50 | 3.50 |
Commission: meets standards (7–0)
The Commission on Judicial Performance for the Twenty-Second Judicial District finds that Judge Anthony Nathaniel Baca MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, by a vote of 7 - 0. The Colorado statutory judicial performance standards are integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance, and service to the legal profession and the public.
The Commission found Judge Baca’s focus and commitment to a rural Colorado county as evidence of his integrity. The Commission was impressed at Judge Baca’s ability to give each case his focus and preparation to meet his stated goal of improving access to the justice system. The Commission reviewed legal decisions submitted by Judge Baca and found them to be thoughtful, well-reasoned and clearly written. The Commission observed that Judge Baca is prepared for the docket and takes the time to communicate to each court participant. It was noted that Judge Baca treats challenging court participants with respect and works to keep them informed and on topic. We are impressed with your work in the justice community and the youth in Dolores County.
The Commission conducted a personal interview with Judge Baca, interviewed the Chief Judge, read a selection of legal opinions authored by Judge Baca, observed him in court, reviewed survey responses from attorneys and non-attorneys who had experience with Judge Baca, and reviewed a self-evaluation prepared by Judge Baca. Based on these materials and activities, the Commission finds Judge Baca meets performance standards and is an asset to the Courts and the State of Colorado.
Judge Baca believes in the American legal system and has dedicated his career to ensuring justice for all. While in law school, Judge Baca interned for the Prosecutor’s office for War Crimes in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In this position, he assisted with the prosecution of high-ranking officials who had committed war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Bosnian conflict of the early 1990s. After law school, Judge Baca practiced law in New Mexico and Colorado while also conducting research on case outcomes, legal barriers, and inefficiencies in the legal system. Additionally, he worked at the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System at the University of Denver where he sought to improve the legal system and to increase meaningful opportunities for individuals to engage with the legal system under the direction of Justice Rebecca Love Kourlis. Judge Baca earned a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law in 2009. He was appointed to the Dolores County Court bench in 2020.