Full Name: David W. Enoch
Year of Induction: 2015
Dave Enoch was appointed to the Colorado Court of Appeals in 1969 and, in 1979, became Chief Judge of the new and growing court. Looking for guidance regarding administrative issues unique to intermediate appellate courts, he envisioned the creation of a national organization of Chief Judges as a sounding board. He contacted other Chief Judges around the nation and learned that they, too, “felt the need of some forum to share problems and hopefully answers.” With the support of others who enthusiastically embraced his idea, he became founder of the Council of Chief Judges of the State Courts of Appeal in 1980, convened its first education conference, and sought affiliation with the National Center for State Courts. When the NCSC declined the request, he obtained affiliation with the American Bar Association. Elected its first president, he oversaw the successful start of the Council.
He attended Wichita University then enlisted in the Army, served as a sergeant in World War II, commanded a squadron in the Battle of the Bulge, and was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, five Combat Stars and numerous Combat Infantryman Badges. After the war, he returned to Wichita University, graduated, and earned his law degree from the University of Colorado Law School. He practiced law until 1960, when he was elected a district court judge. In 1996, he left the court to seek election to the United States Congress. Narrowly defeated, he went back to the practice of law until 1969, when he was appointed to the Court of Appeals. After retiring from the court in 1988, he practiced law with his son and served as an arbitrator and mediator. He died in 2008.