Second Regular Session | 74th General Assembly
Colorado General AssemblyDuring the 2018 legislative session, the General Assembly introduced numerous bills concerning the state’s correctional system and associated issues.
This memorandum provides information concerning the use of capital punishment in Colorado and across the country. The memorandum provides a brief history of Colorado’s death penalty scheme and information on recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions concerning the constitutionality of the death...
The rise in distracted driving, often associated with ever-present smart phones and mobile devices, has been identified as a cause and contributing factor to automobile crashes. This issue brief gives an overview of state and federal regulations on the issue.
This memorandum provides an overview of the County Courthouse and County Jail Funding and Overcrowding Solutions Interim Study Committee, including the charge of the committee, the committee membership, the bill limits, the bill request deadlines applicable to the committee, and information...
This memorandum provides an overview of county jails, including their function, population served, cost per day, and relationship with the state Department of Corrections.
Colorado law imposes standards on, and grants certain responsibilities to, persons considered peace officers, including the authority to enforce Colorado law. This issue brief provides information on training and certification of peace officers, reserve officers, and the process for...
Recent federal policy changes have increased public awareness of asset forfeiture, a process through which a law enforcement agency can seize property that may have been involved in a criminal action.
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...
Final Report to the Colorado General Assembly by the Oversight Committee on Mental Illness in the Criminal Justice System.
This issue brief outlines Colorado's efforts to address issues associated with persons with mental illness in the criminal justice system.
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...