1. 1 State Courts Serving Colorado Our Courts

2. 2 Our State Courts are Busy Cases Filed—FY 2007 551,197 in County Courts 189,235 in District Courts 2,548 in the Court of Appeals 2,548 in the Court of Appeals 1,534 in the Supreme Court 1,534 in the Supreme Court 744,514 Total State Cases

3. 3 How we decide who should serve as a judge Adams County Courthouse

4. 4 Colorado is one of 25 states that uses nominating commissions as part of the judicial selection process.

5. 5 These states appoint judges based on comprehensive reviews of applicants’ backgrounds & qualifications.

6. History of Merit Selection in Colorado 1940 -Bar Committee on Judicial Selection 1949 -Recommendations to Legislature 1954 -Denver v. Colo. Water Conservancy 1958 -Legislative Council 1963 -Meeting of 100 Leaders 1966 -Amendment 3 6

7. 7 Nominating Commissions County and District Courts 4 Non Lawyers3 Lawyers Governor Attorney General Chief Justice Not more than 4 from same political party. 1 commission in each of 22 judicial districts

8. 8 Nominating Commission Considers the Applications Reviews the applications Checks each applicant’s Checks each applicant’s references & reputation

9. 9 Interviews the Trial Court Applicants County & District Courts Non- voting chair, Assoc. Justice

10. 10 Nominating Commission Supreme Court & Court of Appeals 7 Lawyers Not more than 8 from same political party. 8 Non Lawyers +1 at-large Governor Attorney General Chief Justice

11. 11 Interviews the Appellate Court Applicants Court of Appeals & Supreme Court Non-voting chair, Chief Justice

12. 12 The commission nominates at least two, and not more than three applicants, whose names are sent to the Governor

13. 13 Governor’s Office Checks state and federal agency records to ensure no violations of law. Solicits and receives information about each applicant. Typically interviews each applicant. Appoints one.

14. 14 Initial Term of State Judges All state court judges must serve a provisional term of two years. The voters then decide whether the judge or justice continues to serve.

15. 15 How we keep our courts fair & impartial Cheyenne County Courthouse

16. 16 Enforcing Rules of Conduct Judicial Disciplinary Commission 4 Non Lawyers 2 Lawyers Governor appoints Chief Justice appoints State Senate confirms 2 County Court Judges 2 District Court Judges

17. 17 How we decide whether a judge should continue to serve Costilla County Courthouse The oldest courthouse still in use in Colorado

18. 18 Judicial Performance Commission Reviews the Performance of Every Judge 2 Non Lawyers 1 Lawyer Governor appoints Chief Justice appoints 2 Non Lawyers 1 Lawyer 1 Non Lawyer 1 Lawyer Senate President appoints House Speaker appoints 1 commission in each of 22 judicial districts 1 statewide commission for court of appeals and supreme court

19. 19 Our Courts Select the best to serve as judges. Ensure Compliance with Judicial Code of Conduct Ensure that Judges are fair & impartial Ensure that judges conduct proceedings fairly & apply the Rule of Law Nominating Commissions select the best to serve. Appellate courts review trial court decisions. Judges are required to disclose their personal finances and to recuse. Disciplinary Commission enforces conduct & performance standards.

20. 20 Performance Commissions review the performance of all judges. Voters decide whether each judge should continue to serve.

21. 21 Our Courts Serving Colorado Serving Justice