The Colorado Judicial Branch announced on April 28 that its Courts in the Community educational outreach program is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Since launching on May 1, 1986, the initiative has introduced an estimated 50,000 students and teachers from every judicial district in Colorado to the workings of the state’s appellate courts.
The program aims to help students understand how disputes are resolved within a democratic society and provides them with firsthand exposure to real court proceedings. Each spring and fall, justices from the Colorado Supreme Court and judges from the Court of Appeals travel to high schools—and occasionally colleges or law schools—across Colorado to hold oral arguments in actual cases.
“Bringing our appellate courts to high schools is truly a highlight for the justices and judges,” said Chief Justice Monica Márquez. “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 collaborate with judicial staff months ahead of each visit, preparing students using a dedicated curriculum designed for civics education. The curriculum was recently updated with hands-on activities, lecture outlines, readings aligned with state standards, and video introductions by Supreme Court justices. After observing oral arguments during these visits, students have opportunities for direct interaction by asking questions of attorneys as well as meeting judges and justices.
Jeremy Dorsey, a social studies teacher at Alamosa High School who hosted a Court of Appeals visit in September 2025, said: “The Courts in the Community program gave them [students] the ability to feel like an active participant in the judicial process… 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 bringing students as “transformational,” saying: “I appreciate the courts coming…and showing these kids what could be out there for their futures if they dared to dream big.”
Chief Justice Márquez credited teachers’ dedication: “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.” The Colorado Judicial Branch promotes public trust by providing accessible legal services and transparent court processes according to its official website. Its appellate courts—including both Supreme Court and Court of Appeals—are based at Denver’s Ralph L. Carr Colorado Judicial Center according to its official website.
The branch seeks fairness by resolving disputes while upholding rights across civil and criminal matters according to its official website. It serves all counties through various specialized courts according to its official website, managing caseloads via multiple administrative offices according to its official website. Services include trial proceedings for many case types, appeals review processes, public record access tools like self-help resources online payments according to its official website.
