Stark County is in the 4th Judicial District and 10th Circuit.
ISBA Judicial Evaluations: Ratings are the opinion of the Illinois State Bar Association.
ISBA Judicial Advisory Polls: Opinions expressed are of those lawyers who chose to respond and not of the Illinois State Bar Association.
Learn more about ISBA Judicial Evaluations and Advisory Polls
4th Judicial District Appellate Court
Retention
James Knecht
ISBA Judicial Evaluation
Justice James A. Knecht received his undergraduate degree from Illinois State University and his law degree from the University of Illinois College of Law, with honors, and was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1973. He is a long-standing member of the judiciary: three years as an Associate Judge, eight years as a Circuit Judge, and 40 years on the Appellate Court.
The committee also investigated Justice Knecht’s credentials in litigation experience, professional experience, health and age, legal knowledge and ability, integrity, sensitivity to diversity and bias, judicial temperament, diligence, punctuality, impartiality, professional conduct, and character.
Using the criteria and process above, the ISBA finds that Justice Knecht is recommended for retention to the Illinois Appellate Court, Fourth District. It is reported that Justice Knecht is well respected by his peers and courtroom personnel and is described as treating others, including parties and lawyers appearing before him, with respect and fairness. Attorneys also noted he is well prepared for oral arguments and asks pertinent questions of litigants.
ISBA Judicial Advisory Poll
| Criteria | Score |
|---|---|
| Recommendation | 81.58 |
| Integrity | 86.84 |
| Impartiality | 81.08 |
| Temperament | 86.84 |
| Legal Ability | 89.19 |
| Court Management | 91.67 |
| Sensitivity to Diversity & Bias | 91.89 |
| Number of Respondents | 38 |
10th Circuit Judicial Advisory Polls
The 10th Circuit encompasses Marshall, Peoria, Putnam, Stark, and Tazewell counties.
Vacancies
Vespa Vacancy
Timothy J. Cusack
| Criteria | Score |
|---|---|
| Recommendation | 89.08 |
| Integrity | 95.83 |
| Impartiality | 90.91 |
| Temperament | 88.43 |
| Legal Ability | 89.17 |
| Court Management | 87.39 |
| Sensitivity to Diversity & Bias | 94.44 |
| Number of Respondents | 125 |
Michael P. Vespa
| Criteria | Score |
|---|---|
| Recommendation | 35.90 |
| Integrity | 85.00 |
| Impartiality | 82.89 |
| Temperament | 82.72 |
| Legal Ability | 37.35 |
| Court Management | 67.14 |
| Sensitivity to Diversity & Bias | 83.78 |
| Number of Respondents | 88 |
Retention
Christopher R. Doscotch
| Criteria | Score |
|---|---|
| Recommendation | 76.47 |
| Integrity | 80.00 |
| Impartiality | 82.86 |
| Temperament | 91.18 |
| Legal Ability | 77.14 |
| Court Management | 80.00 |
| Sensitivity to Diversity & Bias | 85.71 |
| Number of Respondents | 102 |
Stephen A. Kouri
| Criteria | Score |
|---|---|
| Recommendation | 89.42 |
| Integrity | 92.45 |
| Impartiality | 91.74 |
| Temperament | 93.52 |
| Legal Ability | 90.83 |
| Court Management | 96.30 |
| Sensitivity to Diversity & Bias | 93.27 |
| Number of Respondents | 111 |
James A. Mack
| Criteria | Score |
|---|---|
| Recommendation | 68.37 |
| Integrity | 92.59 |
| Impartiality | 81.13 |
| Temperament | 66.67 |
| Legal Ability | 71.70 |
| Court Management | 85.29 |
| Sensitivity to Diversity & Bias | 84.04 |
| Number of Respondents | 111 |
ISBA Judicial Evaluations: The Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) utilizes a rigorous multi-step process to evaluate applicants for appellate and supreme court judge vacancies before making recommendations about them to the public. The process considers the candidate’s application, a comprehensive investigation including interviews with lawyers knowledgeable about the candidate, and a formal interview with the candidate. Finally, the full committee reviews and finalizes its ratings before making any recommendation. The ISBA’s evaluation process is designed to recommend candidates that will uphold the integrity and fairness of the judiciary. The ISBA is a statewide voluntary association of lawyers and legal professionals, and its recommendations represent solely the ISBA’s opinion.
ISBA Judicial Advisory Polls: In counties outside of Cook, ISBA conducts an advisory poll. The advisory poll is conducted electronically and by mail and is sent to all ISBA members in the circuit or district from which a candidate seeks election. Illinois licensed attorneys who are not members of ISBA, or any Illinois licensed attorney outside the circuit or district may request a ballot. Participants of the poll are asked to evaluate each candidate only if they have professional knowledge of the candidate(s) that enables them to make an informed evaluation. Ballots are confidential. Candidates and judges are rated "recommended" or "not recommended" based on whether respondents agree that the candidate "meets acceptable requirements for the office." Those receiving 60 percent or more "yes" responses to that question are rated "recommended" and those receiving less than 60 percent are rated "not recommended." Opinions expressed in the poll are of those attorneys who chose to respond and do not reflect the opinion of the Illinois State Bar Association or the opinion of all Illinois attorneys.