Is my donation to CJI tax deductible?
Yes, CJI is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization with Tax ID 74-2119505, and membership and charitable donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. For individual membership and charitable donations, CJI acknowledges with a receipt letter confirming it provides no goods or services in return. For corporate membership donations and sponsorships, the receipt letter provides information outlining the donation and benefit amounts.
How can I contact CJI?
Mailing address: Colorado Judicial Institute, P.O. Box 118, Broomfield, CO 80038-0118
Email: Click Here
Phone: 303-766-7501
Does Colorado elect judges?
No. Since 1966 Colorado has used a system based upon merit to select judges. When a judicial vacancy occurs, an announcement and call for applications goes out. Once the deadline for all applications has occurred, a nominating commission meets to interview applicants. The commission recommends two or three individuals for the governor to consider. The governor then appoints one of them to fill the vacancy.
Information on the nomination commissions and how you can become more involved can be found at the Judicial Nominating Commission webpage. More information on the merit selection process can be found in the publication "How a Judge Becomes a Judge" available here.
Why do judges appear on my ballot?
The Colorado Constitution requires that each judge stand for retention election. A retention election is not a partisan contest. Voters are asked whether to to retain a judge in their current position by voting "yes" to retain or "no" to not retain the judge.
How long are judicial terms?
Judicial terms vary based upon in which court a judge serves. County court judges serve for four years, district court judges serve for six years, Court of Appeals judges serve for eight years, and Supreme Court justices serve for ten. Judges serve an initial two year probationary term before standing for retention election.
Where can I get more information on Colorado Judges before I vote?
Judicial performance evaluation information can be found at http://www.cojudicialperformance.com/. The legislation that establishes the judicial performance program can be found in the Colorado Revised Statutes 13- 5.5-101 thru 13-5.5-109.
Why should I join CJI?
CJI is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, statewide community organization with the mission to promote excellence, equity, impartiality, and public trust in Colorado's courts through outreach, education, and engagement. CJI members and supporters include business and civic leaders, attorneys, judges, and everyday citizens who help preserve Colorado’s merit selection system for judges and keep the courtroom free from the influence of politics and special interests. With your individual or corporate donation, you join CJI’s membership community. Your donation supports CJI’s mission and programs that foster judicial education and excellence, diversity on the bench, and public education about our judicial system and the rule of law.
Please become a member today. Join Here!
Return to Top of Page
