The Colorado Judicial Institute is a non-profit corporation that works to promote excellence in the Colorado judicial system. Established in l979, CJI operates through its Board of Directors, a majority of whom are not attorneys, and is supported by individual members, corporations and other organizations. CJI was founded after a group of community leaders, including the then Chief Justice of the Colorado Supreme Court, determined that the lack of trust in, and knowledge about, the legal system, could best be overcome by a citizens organization made up mostly of people outside of the legal and judicial professions.

CJI undertakes numerous activities to accomplish the goals set forth in its Mission Statement, including:

• Representing the consumer of the judicial system in working to preserve a fair and independent judiciary.
• Providing leadership in identifying and preserving the principles and concepts upon which our judicial system is founded.
• Cooperating with other groups and organizations that seek to maintain and improve the excellence of our system of justice.
• Disseminating information relating to the courts and assisting the public in its understanding of that information.
• Initiating and furthering constructive court reform.

Alternative Dispute Resolution. In 2001, CJI held a one day statewide conference on ADR developments in Colorado. Attendees explored the public policy implications of using ADR in the courts, government, the private sector and communities.

National Public Trust and Confidence Project. In l998, the American Bar Association and other nationwide groups called for a national effort to improve public trust and confidence in the Judiciary. The Chief Justice of the Colorado Supreme Court selected the Board of Directors of CJI as the Colorado citizens that would represent this State in the national effort. CJI submitted a written report to the Colorado Supreme Court and representatives from CJI subsequently participated with the Colorado Chief Justice and bar association leaders in a national conference.

Commemoration of the Bicentennial of the U.S. Bill of Rights. In l991, in cooperation with the Supreme Court Committee on Public Education, CJI sponsored five college-community forums with the theme "The Judiciary and the Bill of Rights: Past, Present and Future."

Judicial Performance Evaluation. In cooperation with local colleges, CJI sponsored citizen committees to evaluate the performance of the judges up for retention election. A pilot evaluation committee was formed in the l8th Judicial District and was so successful in assisting in the assessment of judges that a statewide system of judicial evaluation commissions was mandated by law in the l988 General Assembly.

Colorado Judiciary: A Voters' Guide. This publication, distributed statewide in l984, l986 and l988, provided biographical information and answers to pertinent questions about all Colorado judges up for retention election. The Guide was discontinued when statewide judicial performance evaluation commissions were established.

Mock Trial Competitions. From l984-l987, CJI cooperated with the Social Science Education Consortium in sponsoring statewide high school mock trial competitions. The Colorado Bar Association subsequently assumed sponsorship of this project.

For additional information about CJI's current activities, go to CJI Committees. Or to find out how your can join our efforts by becoming a member or making a tax-deductible contribution go to Membership. Or Contact Us.