judge charlotte sweeney
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2 federal judges pitch lawyers on benefits of handing cases over to magistrate judges
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Two of Colorado’s federal district judges, speaking on Tuesday about why lawyers should consent to having magistrate judges handle more cases, said they were disturbed that barely more than a dozen attorneys showed up. “We’re concerned even about this turnout for two (district) judges speaking,” said U.S. District Court Judge Charlotte N. Sweeney at a…
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Federal judge dismisses claims against DPS over disabled student who fell out of window
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A federal judge concluded on Tuesday that a cognitively disabled student failed to allege Denver Public Schools and one of its employees violated his constitutional rights by briefly leaving him unattended in a classroom, only for him to climb out of the window and fall two stories. U.S. District Court Judge Charlotte N. Sweeney rejected…
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10th Circuit reinstates constitutional rights lawsuit against Douglas County child welfare workers
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The federal appeals court based in Denver reinstated a father’s lawsuit on Thursday against two Douglas County child welfare workers, who allegedly violated his constitutional rights in their investigation of suspected child abuse. A three-judge panel for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit noted a trial judge had previously dismissed the lawsuit…
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Federal judge rejects Jeffco sheriff’s attempt to immediately appeal ruling on detainee’s death
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A federal judge has refused to endorse the Jefferson County sheriff’s request to immediately appeal a claim brought against her for a detainee’s death, allegedly caused by the constitutional violations of the jail’s private medical provider. Earlier this year, U.S. District Court Judge Charlotte N. Sweeney permitted a lawsuit to proceed against contractor Wellpath. She…
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Federal judge sides with Denver officer in man’s excessive force lawsuit
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A federal judge concluded on Friday that a Denver officer did not violate a man’s clearly established constitutional rights by using excessive force during a physical confrontation at a downtown hotel. Officer Michael Pineda attempted to arrest Nicholas Munden at The Art Hotel after staff received complaints about his behavior. Munden resisted and Pineda ended…
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Sentencing practices, jury pet peeves and more: Federal judges give peek behind the curtain
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At a gathering of federal judges and attorneys last week, one member of the bench disclosed that she has instituted a new practice of meeting with criminal defendants after they finish their incarceration to discuss their plans for success on supervised release. “It’s not an interview, it’s a dialogue,” said U.S. District Court Judge Charlotte…
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Federal judge refuses to dismiss lawsuit against Aurora for officer’s attack on woman
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A federal judge last month refused to dismiss a woman’s claim that the city of Aurora’s policies motivated an officer’s decision to attack her while he was on administrative leave. Wyoma Martinez filed suit against Officer Douglas Harroun and the city after Harroun attempted to arrest Martinez at her apartment complex in January 2023 while…
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Federal judge dismisses malicious prosecution suit against Colorado Springs officers
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A federal judge has dismissed a woman’s lawsuit against two Colorado Springs police officers who arrested her instead of looking into her report that she was the victim of domestic violence. U.S. District Court Judge Charlotte N. Sweeney found it problematic if the officers did not follow up on Rebecca Varney’s claim of being assaulted…
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By 2-1, 10th Circuit rejects request to block Colorado’s conversion therapy ban
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Colorado’s 2019 ban on the provision of “conversion therapy” for LGBTQ children will remain in effect after the federal appeals court based in Denver declined on Thursday to block the law on constitutional grounds. Kaley Chiles, a licensed counselor in Colorado Springs, alleged the law violated her First Amendment rights and sought a preliminary injunction.…