Judge Jacqueline St. Joan Publishes Memoir on Law and Loss

$14 million is what the Western Slope's affordable housing initiatives have allocated for new developments in the past year. Twelve units are what one local non-profit managed to build with their share of that funding. For context, that's what Delta County spends on road maintenance in a year.

Jacqueline St. Joan, a retired Denver County Judge, has a story that explores the complexities of law, loss, and triumph. Her memoir, "Your Verdict: A Judge's Reckoning With Law and Loss," is set to be published on June 12, 2026. St. Joan's book has two threads - one public, detailing her experience as a county judge, and the other personal, exploring the fracture of her family when she married across racial lines in Virginia in 1967.

St. Joan's inspiration for writing the book came from her father's death, several months after she became a judge. This event led her to write about her family history and the turning points in her life. The process of writing the book took 35 years, during which she practiced her craft through writers' conferences, retreats, and academic programs.

As a judge, St. Joan was aware of the ethical rules that governed her actions and words. However, she believed in engaging in community dialogue to improve the law and its application. She gave talks at churches, universities, and law schools about domestic violence, sexism, and feminist jurisprudence. St. Joan's goal was to contribute to the healing process by providing a platform for discussion and critique of societal norms and institutions.

In 1992, St. Joan was invited to deliver the keynote address at the Margo Ginger Green Lecture Series, which focused on violence against women. She was hesitant at first but ultimately decided to speak out against patriarchy and male dominance. Her son, Chris, advised her to be bold and truthful in her speech.

St. Joan's story highlights the power of speaking out against injustice. Her experiences as a judge and a woman who has faced personal struggles have given her a unique perspective on the law and its impact on individuals and communities. For locals, her story underscores the importance of community engagement and the need for ongoing dialogue about social issues.

The publication of St. Joan's memoir will undoubtedly spark important conversations about law, justice, and personal freedom. As folks around here consider the themes and messages in her book, they may reflect on their own experiences with the law and its role in their lives. The cost of this reflection is not monetary, but rather a willingness to engage with difficult topics and consider the perspectives of others. This will cost taxpayers nothing, but it may change the way they think about the law and its role in their lives.