The Supreme Court of Colorado Visits Colorado Law
Each spring and fall, the Colorado Supreme Court and Court of Appeals provide an educational outreach program called for high schools--and sometimes universities -- which provides an opportunity to expose students to the state’s appellate process. On Oct. 24, the Supreme Court visited Colorado Law. Attendees witnessed oral arguments for two real cases, chosen by specifically considering students’ interests.
“The Courts in the Community program presents an invaluable opportunity for students of all ages to see how real cases are argued in the appellate courts,” said Colorado Supreme Court Justice Melissa Hart, who is also a Colorado Law adjunct faculty member. “We were very pleased with the level of engagement we received from the Colorado Law students, and we look forward to one day seeing some of those students arguing in our courtroom – or perhaps in a high school auditorium for a future Courts in the Community!”
After each argument, students had the unique opportunity to engage in a question-and-answer session with the participating lawyers. These discussions allowed students to deepen their understanding of courtroom dynamics, refine their analytical skills, and connect with experienced professionals who offered perspectives that could be essential for their future careers. The Justices joined the open dialogue with the law students at the conclusion of the second session and met with students and faculty during a luncheon at the law school.
“With the Colorado Supreme Court on campus, our students were able to see our state’s legal system at work in person and up close,” said Deep Gulasekaram, Professor of Law and Director of the Byron R. White Center. “They also got to witness various approaches to appellate advocacy. In the future, our students are likely to be working for the Justices as clerks, practicing before them, and perhaps sitting in their seats. As an additional benefit, the presence of the Justices in the community helped humanize them and demystify the work of the state’s apex court to the general public.”
Learn more about the cases below:
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.
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.
The Nonhuman Rights Project, Inc. v. Cheyenne Mountain Zoological Society case received media coverage in the, , and .
