The Colorado Judicial Branch announced on April 28 that its Courts in the Community educational outreach program is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Since its launch on May 1, 1986, the program has provided an estimated 50,000 students and teachers from every judicial district in Colorado with a firsthand look at how the state’s courts operate.
The program aims to promote understanding of the judiciary among young people by bringing real court proceedings into schools across Colorado. Each spring and fall, justices from the Colorado Supreme Court and judges from the Court of Appeals travel to high schools—and sometimes colleges and law schools—to hold oral arguments in actual cases. This initiative offers many students their first direct experience with the judicial process.
“Bringing our appellate courts to high schools is truly a highlight for the justices and judges,” said Chief Justice Monica Márquez of the Colorado Supreme Court. “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.”
Teachers play a key role by preparing students using a curriculum designed specifically for this program. The curriculum was recently updated to align with state civics standards, add hands-on activities, provide lecture outlines, readings, and video introductions from Supreme Court justices. After observing oral arguments, students have opportunities to ask questions directly of attorneys as well as interact with judges.
Jeremy Dorsey, social studies teacher at Alamosa High School, said that after a visit by Court of Appeals judges last September many students became interested in legal careers or local civic 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 from Peetz High School described his experience taking students 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 credited dedicated teachers and host schools for making it possible for thousands of young people across all counties—served by various trial courts, specialized courts, appellate reviews, public record access services such as self-help tools according to official information—to witness justice firsthand throughout all judicial districts according to official information. The branch operates out of Denver’s Ralph L. Carr Colorado Judicial Center according to official information.
The broader goal remains delivering fair justice while safeguarding rights through transparent processes accessible statewide according to official information. Márquez concluded: “We are thrilled that this educational program allows students to see the judicial branch in action and the role courts play in a democratic society.”
