Charles Barnhart
Metropolitan Court Judge
Bernalillo County
Year: 2002
Evaluation: Judge Charles Barnhart received satisfactory ratings in many areas of this evaluation. Some of his specific strengths, according to these evaluation results, include his ability to rule on motions in a timely manner, to quickly rule on procedural matters, and to avoid prohibited ex parte contact. He received positive scores for his knowledge of the rules of substantive law, his courtesy to participants in the courtroom, and his maintenance of control over the courtroom. The commission previously recommended that Judge Barnhart not be retained. However, his judicial performance has improved since the last retention election.
Experience & Education: Judge Barnhart has served as Metropolitan Court Judge since 1980; before this he practiced law with a private firm. His community service includes involvement with the Very Special Arts of New Mexico and with Veterans Affairs. He received both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of New Mexico.