David P. Chamberlain 7th Judicial Circuit (Clay County)
Recommendations
The 7th Circuit Judicial Performance Evaluation Committee recommends that Judge David P. Chamberlain BE RETAINED.
Position
Associate Circuit Judge
Evaluation Year
2010
Background
Judge Chamberlain was appointed associate circuit judge in the 7th Judicial Circuit on May 1, 2008. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in economics from Missouri State University in 1985. He received a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1989. Judge Chamberlain was in the private practice of law from 1989 until 2008.
Judge Chamberlain is a member of the Liberty Sertoma Club and is active in the Shoal Creek Church.
Background
Attorneys who responded to survey questions rated Judge Chamberlain on a scale of 1-5, with 1 representing “not at all” and 5 representing “completely.” Judge Chamberlain received his high scores for maintaining and requiring proper order and decorum in the courtroom (4.84); demonstrating appropriate demeanor on the bench (4.82); displaying fairness and impartiality toward each side of the case (4.80); issuing timely opinions and decisions (4.80); and not being affected by partisan considerations (4.77). Judge Chamberlain’s lower scores were for being prepared for hearings and trials (4.76); allowing parties latitude to present their arguments (4.76); competence in the law (4.76); efficiently manages his docket (4.76); giving reasons for rulings (4.73); and understanding rules of procedure in evidence (4.71).
The committee did not receive any survey responses submitted by jurors who had participated in jury trials before Judge Chamberlain. It is the committee’s understanding that Judge Chamberlain does not typically preside over jury trials, as a vast majority of his work is conducted in cases where he is the decider of the issues presented. The committee did receive a public comment on Judge Chamberlain and took that public comment into consideration in reaching its recommendation set out below. The committee did not receive any written decision or opinion authored by Judge Chamberlain.
The committee did observe Judge Chamberlain as he conducted public hearings. The observations of Judge Chamberlain by the committee members were taken into account in the making of the recommendation set out below.