Colorado Courts and Judges Laws and Regulations

Colorado Courts and Judges Laws and Regulations
By Emmet McMahan Colorado courts and judges laws and regulations govern how judges resolve disputes in interpreting and applying the law. These laws are passed by the various legislative bodies in Colorado, such as the Colorado state legislature, and are enforced by the executive branch of government. A party that is dissatisfied by the decision of the trial court typically may appeal to the intermediate Court of Appeals. They also may have the option of asking the highest state court to hear the case.
 

The assignment of a case to a Colorado court is determined by the court that has jurisdiction. There are three general types of courts in Colorado:

1. County courts. County judges in CO generally have jurisdiction over traffic cases and other misdemeanors. The vast majority of these cases are resolved without a trial.
2. District courts. A federal district court of Colorado has jurisdiction over federal issues and is subject to review by a United States court of appeals.
3. Supreme Court. There is only one Supreme Court of Colorado and it consists of a panel of judges. A federal court only may overrule a state supreme court when there is an issue of federal jurisdiction.
   

Learn about the laws regarding county and municipal judges in Colorado

Colorado county and municipal courts are the workhorses of the Colorado judicial system and decide most cases in Colorado. Colorado county courts commonly handle matters of probate law, traffic law and family law. Local rules for county courts address the procedures for assigning cases, issuing subpoenas and filing discovery motions.
Try: The City and County of Denver has local rules that govern procedures in the Denver County Court. The City of Colorado Springs provides legal procedures for its municipal criminal court.

Examine laws that affect district CO courts

District courts in Colorado are the trial courts for the federal court system. They also include courts that handle bankruptcy law as separate units of the district courts. District courts have rules that govern court procedures, such as filing civil actions, making motions and requesting continuances.
Try: The United States District Court for the District of Colorado provides an up-to-date list of its rules of practice. The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Colorado offers its local bankruptcy rules, procedures and other filing information.

Review the laws governing Supreme Court judges in Colorado

The Colorado Supreme Court is the highest state court in Colorado and generally only hears appeals involving state law. It does not make finding of facts and, therefore, does not hold trials. The Supreme Court issues rules for topics like judicial conduct, the discipline of attorneys and the publication of opinions.
Try: The Colorado State Judicial Branch has a list of Colorado Supreme Court protocols that cover issues such as oral and case arguments. The Colorado Bar Association lists the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct which are approved by the Colorado Supreme Court.