The Colorado Supreme Court and Court of Appeals provide an educational outreach program called Courts in the Community for high schools (and sometimes colleges or universities), which introduces students to the state’s appellate process. For this program, each court travels at least once a year to hear oral arguments in two real cases at each location. In fall 2024, the Supreme Court is scheduled to visit the University of Colorado Boulder. Divisions of the Court of Appeals are scheduled to hear oral arguments at Lamar High School in Lamar and at Walsenburg High School in Walsenburg.

Courts in the Community began on Law Day in 1986. The program gives students hands-on experience in how the Colorado judicial system works and illustrates how disputes are resolved in a democratic society. These are not mock proceedings. They are oral arguments in actual cases from which official opinions are issued. Cases are chosen by specifically considering the interests of students.

Fall 2024

Colorado Supreme Court

Oct. 24, 2024 - Colorado Law, University of Colorado Boulder

24SA21 - Nonhuman Rights Project, Inc. v. Cheyenne Mountain Zoological Society
At issue is whether five elephants that are currently housed at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo are being unlawfully detained and are entitled to release. Appellants ask the court to extend writs of habeas corpus under the common law to animals. The zoo argues that extending such protections should be up to the legislature and not the court.
Opening Brief
Reply Brief
Answer Brief

22SC982 - The People of the State of Colorado v. Jesus Rodriguez-Morelos
Jesus Rodriguez-Morelos was convicted of identity theft based on his use of a nonprofit group’s information. The Court of Appeals reversed his conviction, holding that the phrase “personal identifying information” in the identity theft statute only applies to human beings, not entities. The People now argue that identity theft can also apply to organizations because the statute refers to the information “of another,” which it defines as including persons or entities.
Opening Brief
Reply Brief
Answer Brief

Colorado Court of Appeals

Oct. 1, 2024 - Lamar High School, Lamar
22CA1591 The People of the State of Colorado v. Juan Manuel Castorena
At issue in this criminal case is whether the trial court erred by (1) admitting evidence of a photo lineup identification and (2) prohibiting the defendant from telling the jury about the witness’ prior inconsistent statement.
Opening Brief
Reply Brief
Answer Brief

23CA1535 Roddess Ekberg, Timothy Ekberg, Justin Fierstein, and Sarah Fierstein v. Jeffrey Speicher
At issue in this civil case is whether the trial court erred in a second trial by failing to properly instruct the jury and by permitting certain evidence to be admitted during that second trial. The cross-appeal asserts the trial court erred in reducing damages awarded in the second trial.
Opening Brief
Opening Answer Brief
Answer and Reply Brief
Reply Brief

Oct 3, 2024 - Walsenburg High School, Walsenburg
22CA1728, The People of the State of Colorado v. Jennifer L. Woodruff
The Appellant in this criminal case is asking the Court of Appeals to reverse conviction because they argue that several errors occurred during the trial. The People — represented by the Attorney General’s office — argue that either no errors occurred or, if they did, they do not warrant a new trial. 
Opening Brief
Answer Brief
Reply Brief

23CA1908, Jaimi J. Mostellar v. The City of Colorado Springs
This is a civil case and involves the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act and whether a public entity can be sued under the act. The appellant in this case is asking the Court of Appeals to reverse the trial court’s order and dismiss the case. 
Opening Brief
Answer Brief
Reply Brief

Spring 2024

Colorado Supreme Court

May 9, 2024, Central High School, Pueblo
23SC272, Terra Management Group LLC and Littleton Main Street LLC v. Kathleen Keaten and Delaney Keaten
Opening brief
Answer brief
 

22SC869, Kevin Matthew Dhyne v. The People of the State of Colorado
Opening brief (redacted)
Answer brief (redacted)
Reply brief (redacted)

Colorado Court of Appeals

March 14, 2024, Green Mountain High School, Lakewood
23CA0364, Ashley Bullington v. Courtney Barela
Opening brief
Answer brief
Reply brief

23CA1143, The People of the State of Colorado v. Brian Saltzman 
Opening brief
Answer brief
Reply brief

April 2, 2024, Fort Lupton High School
cases not yet selected