Stories | Colorado Judicial Branch

Stories Across the Branch

Every day, the people of the Colorado Judicial Department make a difference in our courtrooms, our probation offices, and our communities. Stories Across the Branch highlights the dedication, creativity, and impact of our employees and programs. From innovative initiatives to personal journeys of service, these stories showcase the work and values that bring our mission, vision, and values to life.

Explore how the Branch is building trust, supporting access to justice, and strengthening our culture one story at a time.

Photo of Justice Samour listening intently while serving on the bench.

The Rule of Law: A Personal Reflection

5/06/26, By Susan Postema Scheeres, Outreach Communications Coordinator

In this video, Colorado Supreme Court Justice Carlos Samour provides a personal reflection on the rule of law based on his experience fleeing El Salvador as a teenager.

Learn more about Justice Carlos Samour

Stock image of hand pounding the judge's gavel with black robe in background.

Day in the Life of Arapahoe County Court Judge Melina Hernandez

4/08/26, By Amy Woodward, Media Coordinator

Arapahoe County Court Judge Melina Hernandez explains her civil county docket, which includes small claims, and how she applies the law to help make decisions.

Learn more about Judge Melina Hernandez

Judge Marques Ivey, an African American man, seated in his robe smiling on the bench of a courtroom

Day in the Life of Adams County Court Judge Marques Ivey

2/18/26, By Susan Postema Scheeres, Outreach Communications Coordinator and Amy Woodward, Media Coordinator

Did you ever wonder what a county judge does each day? In this video, Judge Marques Ivey, a county court judge in Adams County since 2022, walks us through his day.

Learn more about Judge Marques Ivey

Thumbnail of a group of ladies in business professional attire in a courtroom posing in a line holding their steno machines.

Guardians of the Record - Celebrating Colorado’s Court Reporters

2/09/2026, By Amy Woodward, Media Coordinator

National Court Reporting and Captioning Week is February 7 to 14, 2026. The annual event, sponsored by the National Court Reporters Association, celebrates stenographic professionals, captioners, and legal videographers, with this year’s theme being "Peace, Love, & Steno.”

Continue the Colorado Court Report's Week story

Thumbnail of panel of 3 seated speakers. A lady in a green dress is speaking and the other guest panelists are looking at her.

Judicial officer outreach program is inspiring future judges to serve through education, connection

12/11/2025, By Amy Woodward, Media Coordinator

Colorado’s judiciary is intensifying its efforts to recruit candidates for the next generation of judges through its Judicial Officer Outreach Program (JOO), which aims to shed light on the judicial selection process and how individuals can participate in it.

Continue the Judicial officer outreach program story

Thumbnail image of books, scales, and gavel on a wooden desk.

Self-Help and Court Information Centers: Expanding access to justice

9/22/2025, By Marci Hoffman, Court Executive

In each of the Colorado Judicial Branch’s 23 judicial districts across the state, our Self-Help and Court Information Centers have become an essential resource for individuals navigating the legal system.

Continue the Self-Help story

Wooden family cutouts on table in front of a gavel.

Supporting dependency and neglect cases through collaboration and reform

8/19/2025, By Amy Woodward, Media Coordinator

The Court Improvement Program (CIP) is bringing together judges, social workers, attorneys, and other child and family advocacy groups to strengthen relationships and enhance approaches to dependency and neglect (D&N) cases, which are among the most sensitive and emotionally charged matters in Colorado’s state court system.