Courts in the Community educational outreach program celebrates 40 years

Courts in the Community educational outreach program celebrates 40 years

April 27, 2026, DENVER − On May 1, 1986 (Law Day), the Colorado Supreme Court and Court of Appeals launched its Courts in the Community educational outreach program for Colorado high schools. In the 40 years since, the program has given an estimated 50,000 students and teachers from every Colorado judicial district a firsthand look at how the state’s judicial system operates and how disputes are resolved in a democratic society.

Each spring and fall, the Colorado Supreme Court justices and Court of Appeals judges hit the road, traveling to high schools (and sometimes colleges and law schools) to hold oral arguments in real cases. The program gives students a unique opportunity to meet with justices and judges and may serve as their first meaningful introduction to the judiciary.

“Bringing our appellate courts to high schools is truly a highlight for the justices and judges,” said Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Monica Márquez. “At the Colorado Judicial Department, we want to get to know the communities we serve and for Coloradans to understand the courts’ role. This outreach program allows us to meet with students and teachers in their own town or city and provides an opportunity for them to observe how cases are argued and how the rule of law is applied.”

Judicial staff and schools start planning at least six months in advance. The courts select cases that will interest and are appropriate for students. Using a curriculum designed for this program, teachers prepare students (typically from civics and government classes) to hear oral arguments in the cases.

In the past year, the courts have rewritten the curriculum to meet Colorado educational standards for civics, added hands-on activities for diverse learners, and provided lecture outlines and readings. Many of the lessons include video intros from the Colorado Supreme Court justices. See lesson plans on our website: https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/community-and-educational-resources/lesson-plans

After oral arguments, students ask the attorneys questions about the cases and meet with judges and justices.

Jeremy Dorsey, a social studies teacher at Alamosa High School, said a Court of Appeals’ visit to the high school in September 2025 has inspired many students to consider a career in law and to take a more active role in local issues.

“The Courts in the Community program gave them the ability to feel like an active participant in the judicial process,” Dorsey said. “Additionally, it helped establish a strong foundation when analyzing other appellate or even U.S. Supreme Court cases as we moved through the curriculum.”

Brian Kurz, a social studies teacher at Peetz High School, drove students to Holyoke High School recently for a Colorado Supreme Court program and described the experience as transformational.  

“I appreciate the courts coming to the middle of nowhere and showing these kids what could be out there for their futures if they dared to dream big,” Kurz said.  

Chief Justice Márquez said the dedication of teachers and host schools has made it possible for judges and justices to interact with thousands of young people. “We are thrilled that this educational program allows students to see the judicial branch in action and the role the courts play in a democratic society,” she said.

Learn more about the program: https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/community-and-educational-resources/courts-community

Press kit materials, listed below, can be accessed online and downloaded with a PIN number, which communications staff can provide:

https://galleries.pixieset.com/collections/113130962/sets/162385949

  • Supreme Court Justices hold Oral Arguments in Holyoke High School April 2026  
  • Supreme Court Justices talk to students at Holyoke High School April 2026 
  • Colorado Court of Appeals Judge Johnson, Judge Lipinsky and Judge Moultrie hold Oral Arguments at Green Mountain High School in Lakewood Feb. 2025 
  • Students at Green Mountain High School listen to Oral Arguments in Lakewood Feb. 2025 
  • Students ask questions of Colorado Court of Appeals Judge Johnson, Judge Lipinsky and Judge Moultrie at Green Mountain High School in Lakewood Feb. 2025
  • Court of Appeals Judge Welling, Judge Gomez and Judge Sullivan at Courts in the Community program Alamosa High School Sept. 2025

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