• To provide the public with the results of a broad-based performance and retention survey about judges who stood for election, some of whom had only recently been appointed;

• To provide the judges of the Hennepin County District Court with an evaluation based upon the opinions of members of the Hennepin County Bar Association and lawyers in government practice in Hennepin County; and

• To provide assistance in determining areas of judicial education which may be beneficial to members of the Bench.

The Hennepin County Bar Association conducted the surveys with the belief that lawyers have a unique perspective and important opinions to share with members of the public. These survey results deserve the attention of the public and the bench because of the knowledge lawyers have derived in direct contact with members of the bench. These opinions are individual evaluations and, as such, are subjective. The opinions expressed may include any biases held by the individual respondents.

The Hennepin County Bar Association conducted its surveys with the assistance of the Minnesota Center for Survey Research at the University of Minnesota. The surveys are statistically and scientifically accurate, and are a compilation of the opinions of Hennepin County Bar members and government lawyers who appeared before judges on the Hennepin County District Court. Response to the surveys was voluntary and anonymous.