Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act June Update (19-11)
This issue brief provides an overview of state laws related to pet animal facilities. These facilities are licensed and regulated under the Colorado Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act (PACFA).
Extreme Risk Protection Orders (19-08)
This issue brief provides an overview of extreme risk protection orders, including what they are, how they are used, and how Colorado's proposed law compares to other states. It also addresses other types of protection orders authorized in Colorado law.
State Laws Regarding Gravity and Switchblade Knives (17-10)
Gravity and switchblade knives, which were originally popularized by classic movies such as West Side Story and Rebel Without a Cause, are considered illegal weapons in Colorado. Possessing such a weapon could result in a fine or jail time, or both. This issue brief...
Statutes of Limitations for Criminal Offenses (18-18)
A statute of limitations is a law that specifies the maximum length of time allowed for a victim or prosecutor to initiate legal proceedings. Such a statute may apply in either criminal or civil cases. This issue brief provides an overview of criminal statutes of limitations, including...
Judicial Selection and Retention (18-12)
The Colorado Constitution allows voters to decide whether justices and judges stay on the bench after they have been appointed and have had time to establish a judicial record by serving an initial term. Some form of this process, otherwise known as the merit selection and retention of justices...
Citizens Guide to Judicial Complaints (18-01)
What can a person do if he or she feels that an attorney or judge in a legal matter acted unprofessionally? In Colorado, there are formal complaint processes to review the conduct of attorneys and judges and to administer discipline when warranted. Additionally, voters can choose whether to...
Judicial Performance Evaluation Process
There are 324 justices and judges in Colorado. Seven justices preside over the Supreme Court and issue binding majority decisions on lower court rulings. Additionally, 317 judges preside over other various courts, including the Court of Appeals (22 judges), district courts (181 judges), and...
Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act 19-06
This issue brief provides an overview of state laws related to pet animal facilities. These facilities are licensed and regulated under the Colorado Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act (PACFA).
Overview of Courthouse Funding (2017)
There are 86 courthouse facilities in Colorado: 71 courthouses and 15 probation offices. This issue brief provides an overview of court and court facility funding. Specifically, information is provided on state, county, and municipal court funding requirements and state supplemental funding...
Juvenile Justice Systems in Colorado
This issue brief provides an overview of how the justice system treats juveniles found guilty of a crime in Colorado. It discusses juvenile problem solving courts; detention and commitment; the facilities where juveniles are housed; the programs and services available; requirements for...
Competency for Criminal Trial in Colorado
The U.S. Constitution guarantees each citizen the right to a fair trial, which includes the right to be present at the trial, able to understand the nature of the proceedings, and able to participate in his or her defense. Whether the defendant’s mental health impaired his or her ability to...
Persons with Mental Illness in the Criminal Justice System - Colorado's Response
This issue brief outlines Colorado's efforts to address issues associated with persons with mental illness in the criminal justice system.
Overview of Courthouse Funding (2016)
There are 86 courthouse facilities in Colorado: 71 courthouses and 15 probation offices. This issue brief provides an overview of court and court facility funding. Specifically, information is provided on state, county, and municipal court funding requirements and state supplemental funding...
Colorado Judges (2016)
Colorado’s state court system is comprised of many different courts, including the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals (COA), and district courts. Colorado law also governs county courts and jurisdiction-specific courts in Denver.1 This issue brief describes the qualification requirements and...
Colorado Probate Law (2016)
Probate is a general term referring to a court procedure by which a person's estate is transferred to others. In current usage, "probate" has been expanded to generally include all matters pertaining to administration of estates, including trust administration, guardianships, and...
Colorado Gun Laws (2014)
Gun control is a much studied and debated topic. Proponents of gun control argue that the availability of firearms is directly linked to gun deaths and injury, especially in situations of domestic violence. Opponents counter that crime victims who defend themselves with guns are less likely to...
The Sale and Use of Fireworks in Colorado (2014)
This issue brief examines Colorado's fireworks law, including the ability of cities and counties to regulate fireworks.
Child Support Enforcement (2014)
Child support is a required payment made by a parent for the financial benefit of a child after a divorce or other dissolution of a relationship. This issue brief summarizes how child support orders are issued, details elements of child support enforcement units and various child support...
Civil Union (2013)
In the 2013 legislative session, the General Assembly enacted Senate Bill 13-011, the Colorado Civil Union Act. This issue brief summarizes the provisions of the act and discusses other states' laws concerning same-sex marriage and civil unions. A brief explanation of two same-sex marriage cases...