Bruce R. Raaum

The Twenty-First Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance the finds that Judge Bruce R. Raaum MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS and by a vote of 8-0. The Commission on Judicial Performance (Commission) was established with ten members, but presently has one vacancy and one absent Commissioner, leaving eight voting Commissioners. To reach its recommendation for retention of Judge Raaum, the Commission considered its interviews of Judge Raaum and of others who are familiar with him, courtroom observations, Judge Raaum’s self-evaluation, court case management data and survey results.

The judicial performance standards are integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance, and service to the legal profession and the public. The Commission finds that Judge Raaum demonstrates legal knowledge and applies the law appropriately in the cases before him. Judge Raaum is well prepared and issues prompt rulings grounded in law and fact. The Commission observed that Judge Raaum effectively manages a large volume of County Court cases while maintaining appropriate control and decorum over courtroom proceedings.

The Commission observed that Judge Raaum exhibits judicial temperament that is fair, respectful and professional. He treats parties, attorneys, and court staff with dignity, values their time and is committed to excellence in his role as a judge. The Commission determined that Judge Raaum demonstrates the competencies required of a judicial officer.

Judge Raaum received an undergraduate degree in History and Political Science in 1989 from North Dakota State University and a law degree from the University of Nebraska College of Law in 1992. From 1992 to 2007, he worked in the private practice of law in Mesa County in the areas of civil law, criminal and juvenile law and as a court appointed guardian ad-litem for children. He was appointed by Governor Bill Owens as a Mesa County Judge on September 12, 2006. He has presented perspectives in the area of pre-trial supervision and factors to determine bond and bond conditions at the Colorado Judicial Conference. He served on state-wide committees overseeing probation procedures, rules regarding Senior Judges and a weighted case-load study to determine the need for more County Court judicial officers. He spoke at a local conference on the subject of intimate partner violence. He was selected by his peers to serve as President-Elect of the County Court Judges Association and will be President in September 2026.

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