Press Releases
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.
From Bar to Bench: 13th Judicial District and the Application Process
April 22, 2026, Sterling, Colo. — Thinking about a future on the bench? Join this virtual session for a closer look at what judges do day-to-day and how the application process works. Judges will share candid insights about the role, along with practical advice on pursuing a judiciary career. We’ll also cover how candidates are evaluated, including an overview of the Governor’s appointment process.
From Attorney to Judge: 1st Judicial District Offers Insights from the Bench
April 20, 2026, Golden, Colo. — Considering a future on the bench? Register for the Attorney to Judge panel discussion that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the judicial nomination process within the 1st Judicial District.
Warrant Clearance Days to be held across Denver Metro Area
April 7, 2026, DENVER – If you have an active warrant, Warrant Clearance Days for eligible offenses may be the key to clearing up your past without arrest.
Colorado Judicial Department Opens Application Process for Family Violence Justice Fund grants
April 1, 2026, DENVER—The Colorado Judicial Department has opened the application period for fiscal year 2026-27 grants from the Family Violence Justice Fund. The grants provide funding to Colorado nonprofit organizations that help low-income people who are experiencing family violence.
Colorado Judicial Department Opens Application Process for Eviction Legal Defense Fund grants
April 1, 2026, DENVER—The Colorado Judicial Department has opened the application period for fiscal year 2026-27 grants from the Eviction Legal Defense Fund. The grants provide funding to Colorado nonprofit organizations that assist low-income individuals who are experiencing eviction or are at immediate risk of eviction.
Application Process Opens for Court Security Cash Fund Commission Grants
March 16, 2026, DENVER—The Colorado Judicial Department has opened the application period for fiscal year 2026-27 grants from the Court Security Cash Fund, which was enacted in 2007. The grants provide supplemental funding for courthouse security at state court facilities in Colorado counties with the most limited resources.
Registration Opens for Your Honor: Journey to the Bench Symposium
March 9, 2026, DENVER – Registration is now open for the Your Honor: Journey to the Bench symposium to be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Colorado Bar Association at 1290 N. Broadway, Denver, CO 80203.
Colorado Supreme Court Model Criminal Jury Instructions Committee releases annual update
Feb. 26, 2026 - Denver, CO – The Colorado Supreme Court Model Criminal Jury Instructions Committee has released its annual update to Colorado’s model jury instructions for use in criminal trials.
Colorado Supreme Court Welcomes New Justice
Feb. 17, 2026, DENVER— After an earlier announcement today of the appointment by Governor Jared Polis, the Colorado Judicial Department welcomes the appointment of the Honorable Susan Blanco to the Colorado Supreme Court. Justice-designate Blanco will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Melissa Hart.
23rd Judicial District Veterans Treatment Court celebrates graduation of program participants
Feb.4, 2026, Douglas County, Colo. — The 23rd Judicial District today celebrated the graduation of participants from its Veterans Treatment Court, recognizing the hard work and commitment of veterans who have successfully completed the intensive, treatment-focused program.
Judicial publishes Annual Report on judicial officer recruitment and outreach efforts
Jan. 30, 2026, DENVER - The Colorado Judicial Department announces the release of its Judicial Officer Outreach Program 2025 Annual Legislative Report, a comprehensive document detailing how the program continues to advance its mission to promote judicial transparency, belonging, and public trust through targeted outreach, pipeline-building, and education on judicial vacancies and the nomination process.
4th Judicial District Accepting Applications for Public Administrator
Jan. 16, 2026, COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The 4th Judicial District is now accepting applications for the appointment of a public administrator.
12th Judicial District Accepting Applications for Public Administrator
Jan. 14, 2026, ALAMOSA, Colo. – The 12th Judicial District is now accepting applications for the appointment of a public administrator.
12th Judicial District seeks applications for VALE Board vacancies
Jan. 12, 2026, ALAMOSA, Colo. – The 12th Judicial District is accepting applications for two vacancies on the Victims and Witnesses Assistance & Law Enforcement (VALE) Board serving Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Rio Grande and Saguache counties.
Colorado Supreme Court Announces Legal Technology Advisory Committee Appointments
Jan. 12, 2026, DENVER— Chief Justice Monica Márquez today announced her appointments to the Colorado Supreme Court’s newly established Legal Technology Advisory Committee. The Committee will play a central role in helping the Colorado judiciary and legal community navigate emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to ensure that justice, integrity, and innovation remain at the forefront of Colorado’s legal system.
Application process to begin in January to select the next justice of the Colorado Supreme Court
Dec. 23, 2025, DENVER - On Dec. 19, 2025, Justice Melissa Hart announced her retirement from the Colorado Supreme Court, effective Jan. 5, 2026. The process to select the next Colorado Supreme Court Justice will commence soon. Qualified attorneys are invited to apply, and more details will be released in the coming two weeks.
Justice Melissa Hart announces retirement from Colorado Supreme Court
Dec. 19, 2025, DENVER—Colorado Supreme Court Justice Melissa Hart has announced her retirement from the bench, effective Jan. 5, 2026. After a temporary leave of absence, Justice Hart submitted her retirement notice to Chief Justice Monica Márquez today, Friday, Dec. 19, 2025.
Colorado Courts Announce Closures for Christmas and New Year's 2025
Dec. 18, 2025 DENVER— All Colorado state courts and probation offices will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 25, for Christmas and Thursday, Jan. 1, for New Year's Day.
Introducing Virtual Your Honor: Journey to the Bench Sessions
Dec. 9, 2025, DENVER - The Judicial Officer Outreach (JOO) Program is excited to launch a new virtual series inspired by this spring’s 2025 Your Honor: Journey to the Bench symposium. Building on the symposium’s mission to encourage attorneys and aspiring judicial officers to pursue the bench, the virtual Your Honor: Journey to the Bench sessions bring the same insightful conversations, practical tools, and inspiration directly to participants across the state.
Colorado Courts Announce Thanksgiving Holiday Closures for 2025
Nov. 19, 2025, DENVER - All Colorado state courts and probation offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 27, for Thanksgiving Day.
In addition, the following Colorado state courts and probation offices will be closed on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, and/or Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. Courts and probation offices will be closed all day, unless otherwise noted.
Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025 Closures
13th Judicial District (Kit Carson, Logan, Morgan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Washington and Yuma counties) Combined Courts and Probation Offices will close at noon.
Tow Designated Next Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals
Nov. 13, 2025, DENVER— Chief Justice Monica Márquez announced today a key leadership transition, appointing Court of Appeals Judge Ted Tow as the chief judge-designate of the Colorado Court of Appeals, as Chief Judge Gilbert Román prepares for the end of his term as chief on July 31, 2026. During this time, Judge Tow will go through an onboarding process, working directly with Chief Judge Román.
Fall Warrant Clearance Events to be held in November
Nov. 12, 2025, DENVER – If you have an active warrant, Fresh Start Warrant Clearance Day for eligible offenses may be the key to clearing up your past without arrest.
Colorado Courts Celebrate National Adoption Day
Nov. 10, 2025, DENVER - National Adoption Day is being celebrated in many of Colorado’s Judicial Districts in November, with judges and magistrates across Colorado finalizing the adoptions of dozens of foster children into permanent families.
Colorado Judicial Branch