Amanda Hunter

Commission: meets standards (7–0)

The Eleventh Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously agrees by vote of 7-0, with two members absent and one vacancy on the Commission, that Judge Amanda Hunter MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.

Judge Hunter presides over civil, domestic relations, juvenile, mental health, probate, and criminal cases in her courtroom. Judge Hunter's overall performance, as rated by people responding to the surveys, confirmed that she meets the performance standards. Comments included that she provides thorough and fair judgement in her decision making. Judge Hunter was found to be decisive and professional. The Commission reviewed a sampling of Judge Hunter’s opinions and found them to be clear and well written. Judge Hunter received high marks for understanding and applying the law, even in complicated matters. Judge Hunter has adapted well to the challenges and opportunities presented by the virtual environment and live streaming in her courtroom. The Commission observed Judge Hunter being patient, clear and concise with litigants and attorneys to ensure everyone in the courtroom understood the proceedings. In her interview Judge Hunter continued to show a high degree of understanding of the court’s processes, administration, and role in the community, as well as, a strong understanding of the power and corresponding responsibility the courts have to their constituents. Based on these findings the Commission unanimously agreed that Judge Hunter meets judicial performance standards.

The Commission conducted a personal interview with Judge Hunter, reviewed opinions she authored, observed her in court, reviewed comments received from interested parties during the evaluation, and reviewed surveys sent to attorneys and non-attorneys who had experience with Judge Hunter. Of the attorneys responding to the survey, 89% answered “yes, meets performance standards”, 11% answered “no, does not meet performance standards”, and 0% had no opinion regarding whether Judge Hunter meets or does not meet performance standards. Of non-attorneys responding to the survey, 61% answered, “yes, meets performance standards”, 28% answered “no, does not meet performance standards”, and 11% had no opinion regarding whether Judge Hunter meets or does not meet performance standards. A total of nine attorneys and eighteen non-attorneys responded to the judicial performance surveys expressing their opinion of Judge Hunter’s performance.

District Court Judge Amanda Hunter was appointed in November 2022 and sits in Park County. She is the Chief Judge of the 11th Judicial District and sits on the District’s Access to Justice Committee. Prior to her district court appointment, Judge Hunter served for seven years as the County Court Judge for Custer County and as a District Court Magistrate for Chaffee County. Prior to her judicial appointment, she practiced in criminal law. JudgeHunter has lived and worked in the 11th Judicial District since 2011. She earned her law degree from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Iowa. Judge Hunter enjoys all the outdoor activities that Colorado has to offer but finds skiing to be her absolute favorite.

State evaluation page · 2026 survey report (PDF)

Commission: meets standards (8–0)

The Eleventh Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously (8-0) finds that Judge Amanda Jean Hunter MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.

Judge Hunter received a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration in 2002 from The University of Iowa where she majored in marketing, finance and received an emphasis in accounting. In 2011, she graduated with a Degree of Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Upon graduating, she was hired full time by the Colorado State Public Defender and practiced in the 11th Judicial District in both District and County Court until she was appointed to the Custer County Court in January 2016.

The Commission conducted a personal interview with Judge Hunter, reviewed opinions she authored, observed her in court, reviewed comments received from interested parties during the evaluation, and reviewed surveys sent to attorneys and non-attorneys who had experience with Judge Hunter in her capacity as County Court Judge. A total of six attorneys and twenty-three non-attorneys responded to the judicial performance surveys expressing their opinion of Judge Hunter’s performance. Among the survey questions was "Do you think Judge Hunter meets judicial performance standards?" Of the attorneys responding to the survey, 67% answered ‘yes, meets performance standards,’ and 33% answered ‘no, does not meet performance standards.’ Of non-attorneys responding to the survey, 75% answered ‘yes, meets performance standards,’ 17% answered ‘no, does not meet performance standards,’ and 8% had no opinion regarding whether Judge Hunter meets or does not meet performance standards. These percentages may not total 100% due to rounding. Judge Hunter presides over civil, criminal, misdemeanor, traffic, and small claim cases in her courtroom. Judge Hunter's overall performance as rated by both attorneys and non-attorneys responding to the surveys is consistent with the average rating of all county judges standing for retention. Judge Hunter received slightly higher marks from non-attorneys than from attorneys. Both courtroom observations from the commission and comments from survey respondents pointed to Judge Hunter’s ability and desire to calmly and clearly communicate all facets of the proceedings taking place. Additionally, Judge Hunter received above-average marks for her diligence and willingness to thoroughly research and tackle cases regardless of their level of complexity. Judge Hunter has been on the bench for just over two years, and survey results indicate an initial weakness related to the timeliness of rulings and verbosity in the courtroom. Judge Hunter has indicated that she has identified these weaknesses and is taking affirmative steps to improve these issues. Specifically, she continues to gain experience and confidence which will allow her to continue to improve in these areas. Based on these findings, the Commission unanimously agreed that Judge Hunter meets judicial performance standards. Two members abstained from voting.

State evaluation page · 2018 survey report (PDF)