On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, the Wyoming Tribune Eagle reported that Laramie County District Court Judge Steven Sharpe is set to retire in May after more than a decade of service. His tenure has been marked by a commitment to the rule of law, navigating a variety of cases ranging from domestic disputes to murder trials.

Judge Sharpe emphasized the importance of adhering to legal principles throughout his career. He stated that the challenge of being a judge is to allow the rule of law to guide decisions, despite external pressures and public opinion. “You follow that, and you try to drown out a lot of the noise,” he remarked, highlighting his dedication to achieving what he believes is the right outcome.

Over the years, Sharpe has dealt with significant cases, including the prosecution of Alice Uden, a 75-year-old woman involved in a cold-case murder trial, as well as rulings on public records that reinforced citizens’ rights to access government information. While these high-profile cases received media attention, Sharpe noted that most of his work involved less publicized domestic, juvenile, and misdemeanor cases.

Throughout his judicial career, Sharpe has recognized the complexities of the individuals who appear in court. He reflected on the necessity of occasionally allowing defendants to go free due to insufficient evidence, stating that it is essential to uphold constitutional rights, even when the outcomes may seem counterintuitive. “You don’t always like the result,” he acknowledged, but stressed the importance of being true to overarching legal principles.

Sharpe, originally from Wyoming, has lived in Cheyenne since 1990, where he raised four children with his wife. His legal career began after spending a decade in the private sector, followed by a decade as an attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office. He was appointed as a judge for the First Judicial District Court in Laramie County by former Governor Matt Mead in November 2012.

His experience has provided him with a unique perspective on family dynamics within the legal system. Sharpe noted the significant impact that supportive family structures can have on young people navigating legal challenges. He expressed his realization of the importance of strong parental figures, stating, “If you’ve got good, supportive parents, you’re starting out on third base.”

Reflecting on his time as a judge, Sharpe recognized the influence of his predecessors and colleagues, stating that he has been fortunate to learn from some of Wyoming’s esteemed judges. As he prepares to retire, he expressed confidence in the future of Wyoming’s judiciary, praising the talented younger judges that he believes will continue to uphold the law effectively.

Throughout his career, Sharpe has received substantial support from his family and the law clerks and staff attorneys he has worked alongside. He described the bonds formed through shared experiences in the courtroom, noting that these relationships have been one of the rewarding aspects of his job.

In retirement, Judge Sharpe plans to spend quality time with his grandchildren and expand his chicken coop to welcome new silkie chickens.

 

 

Source: Wyoming Tribune Eagle