Colorado Judicial Branch
Hon. Ryan Stuart appointed Chief Judge of new 23rd Judicial District
Hon. Ryan Stuart appointed Chief Judge of new 23rd Judicial District
Nov. 12, 2024, DENVER—Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Monica M. Márquez has appointed the Hon. Ryan Stuart to serve as chief judge in the newly created 23rd Judicial District, effective Jan. 14, 2025.
Judge Stuart currently serves as a district court judge in the 18th Judicial District and, for the past 18 months, has served as the administrative judge responsible for ensuring a smooth transition of staff and services to the 23rd Judicial District.
The current 18th Judicial District, comprising Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties, will split into two judicial districts on Jan. 14, 2025. Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties will become part of the newly created 23rd Judicial District, and Arapahoe County will remain in the 18th Judicial District. Chief Judge Michelle Amico will continue to serve as chief judge of the 18th Judicial District.
The 18th Judicial District has grown more than any other Colorado Judicial District in the last 50 years and is currently the largest in the state. The legislature established the 23rd Judicial District to serve the affected communities more efficiently; it is the first time in 60 years that Colorado has created a new judicial district.
Judge Stuart was appointed to the 18th Judicial District in 2018. He previously served as a district court magistrate in the 1st Judicial District, a Jefferson County Court judge and a deputy district attorney in Jefferson and Gilpin counties. Judge Stuart received his law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center.
“As administrative judge, Judge Stuart demonstrated his commitment to staff and local stakeholders,” said Chief Justice Monica Márquez. “Judge Stuart prioritized communication and collaboration, and I am confident he will excel in his new role as chief judge.”
As chief judge, Judge Stuart will serve as the administrative head of the district, responsible for appointing the court executive, chief probation officer and clerk of court, assisting in personnel, financial, and case-management duties, and seeing that the business of the courts and probation is conducted efficiently and effectively.
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