We at CJI support the merit selection system and judicial performance evaluation program in Colorado as an effective, efficient, and fair system for choosing and evaluating judges. The system works most effectively when citizens are knowledgeable about the system and aware of where to acquire judicial performance evaluation information. Sadly, public surveys conducted by organizations such as the League of Women Voters and the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System, we know that a large portion of Colorado voters do not have a complete understanding of the judicial merit selection system or the judicial performance evaluation program.
To address the lack of public knowledge of our judicial selection and evaluation programs, CJI established the Public Education and Public Information Committees.
Public Education through OUR COURTS Presentations
In 2007 CJI partnered with the Colorado Bar Association to create the Our Courts public education program. Our Courts provides nonpartisan information programs to audiences around the state to further public knowledge and understanding of the state and federal courts in Colorado. Our Courts presentations and presenters take no position regarding any specific court case, legislation, ballot issue, or proposed change to the court system.
1. Our State Courts -- Topics covered include merit selection, judicial performance evaluation, judicial retention, and the composition of various commissions.
2. Our United States Courts -- Topics include judicial nominations, the types cases heard in federal courts, and the procedures that keep our federal courts fair and impartial.
Our Courts presentations have been delivered to groups and organizations such as community leadership programs, business and economic development associations, professional and trade associations, service organizations, community colleges, undergraduate and graduate schools, and vocational schools, libraries and other community organizations
Our Courts presentations are presented free of charge by trained judges and attorneys. To schedule an Our Courts presentation or to learn more, email the CBA here or call (303) 860-1115.
The Our Courts partners are:
Colorado Bar Association
Colorado Judicial Institute
Colorado State Library
Colorado Community College System
Colorado District Judges Association
Colorado County Judges Association
Faculty of Federal Advocates
Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System
League of Women Voters of Colorado
National Center for State Courts
Sturm College of Law at the University of Denver
University of Colorado Law School
University of Colorado at Denver School of Public Affairs
The Our Courts program is always looking for additional volunteers. Volunteers can serve as speakers (training is available), assist in developing presentation content, coordinate partner efforts, community outreach and assist in fund-raising. Volunteers are encouraged to contact Our Courts via email or at 303-860-1115.
The CJI Public Education Committee is chaired by Dr. Elinor Greenberg.
