colorado supreme court
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DA’s withdrawal from veterans treatment court not judge’s problem, ethics panel says
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There are no ethical concerns from a judge continuing to participate in a specialty veterans treatment court if the district attorney’s office has withdrawn from the program, the Colorado Supreme Court’s ethics committee advised on Wednesday. Colorado law permits chief judges of judicial districts to establish an “appropriate program for the treatment of veterans and…
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Who are the 3 finalists for the Colorado Supreme Court?
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A citizen-led nominating commission has chosen the finalists for a vacancy on the Colorado Supreme Court, the first opening in five years on the seven-member court. The vacancy arose after the unexpected resignation of Justice Melissa Hart, who formally departed on Jan. 5 following an extended “leave of absence” since the fall. The three finalists…
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Christopher Zenisek, trial judge experienced with high-profile cases | SUPREME COURT FINALISTS
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After the Marshall fire burned through Boulder County in the final days of 2021 and wound up destroying more than 1,000 homes, the sprawling 4,000-plaintiff litigation was assigned to District Court Judge Christopher Zenisek of Jefferson County. Zenisek would go on to issue more than 100 orders, hold dozens of hearings and, ultimately, much of…
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Susan Blanco, innovator in the judiciary | SUPREME COURT FINALISTS
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Less than 24 hours after her selection as a finalist for a Colorado Supreme Court vacancy, Chief Judge Susan Blanco was back on the bench in Fort Collins, moving methodically through the variety of complications she encountered. “Your goatee might grow to your belly button by then,” she quipped to a defendant awaiting the delayed…
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Colorado Supreme Court to review child custody decision
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The Colorado Supreme Court announced on Monday that it will review whether the state’s second-highest court described the correct framework for deciding whether to terminate a parent’s legal rights over a child. At least three of the court’s seven members must agree to hear a case on appeal. Currently, there is one vacancy that will…
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Judicial agencies appear for oversight hearings, judge warns government about rejected arguments | COURT CRAWL
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Welcome to Court Crawl, Colorado Politics’ roundup of news from the third branch of government. Leaders of various judicial-related agencies appeared for oversight hearings in front of state lawmakers, plus a federal judge is cautioning the government about repeatedly raising arguments she has rejected in immigration detention cases. Heard on appeal • The Colorado Supreme Court…
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Colorado justices find portion of anti-SLAPP law unconstitutional
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The Colorado Supreme Court ruled on Monday that a 2019 law designed to protect the exercise of First Amendment rights conflicts with the state constitution in certain scenarios involving appeals from county courts. Known as the “anti-SLAPP” law, which stands for “strategic lawsuits against public participation,” the legislature provided a mechanism for quickly disposing of litigation…
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Appeals judge argues prior decision on defendant’s ‘3-strikes’ sentence was wrong
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A member of Colorado’s second-highest court argued on Thursday that a defendant stands wrongfully sentenced under the state’s “three-strikes” law, and an earlier appellate decision saying otherwise was incorrect. A three-judge Court of Appeals panel agreed that Kiki Lamount Douglas’ 96-year prison sentence was likely excessive. Originally, Douglas’ trial judge multiplied the maximum sentence as…
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Colorado lawmakers hear about increased judicial discipline complaints, fallout from Missy Woods misconduct
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Members of the Colorado legislature’s judiciary committees heard about a large increase in complaints against judges and additional forensic misconduct that has come to light, during three days of oversight hearings last week. Leaders of several judicial-related agencies appeared between Jan. 20-23 to address their priorities and field questions from legislators. On behalf of the…
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Colorado Supreme Court to address child’s CCTV testimony
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The Colorado Supreme Court announced on Monday that it will review the impact of a victim’s closed-circuit testimony on the prosecution of a juvenile defendant. At least three of the court’s seven members must agree to hear an appeal. There is currently one vacancy, which will be filled next month. The justices also signaled they…
