Author: Michael Karlik
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Colorado justices: El Paso County judge erred by removing prosecutor for comments about stabbing public defenders
The Colorado Supreme Court, by a 5-1 vote, concluded on Monday that an El Paso County judge mistakenly removed a prosecutor from a murder case after he was overheard saying he hoped the defendant would stab public defenders if he were released from custody. As the prosecution and the defense litigated Rocky Wayne West’s competency…
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Colorado justices: El Paso County judge erred by removing prosecutor for comments about stabbing public defenders
The Colorado Supreme Court, by a 5-1 vote, concluded on Monday that an El Paso County judge mistakenly removed a prosecutor from a murder case after he was overheard saying he hoped the defendant would stab public defenders if he were released from custody. As the prosecution and the defense litigated Rocky Wayne West’s competency…
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A brief overview of The GEO Group v. Menocal, the class action out of Colorado about immigration detention
On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of The GEO Group v. Menocal, which originated in Colorado. The arguments revolved around when appeals courts may review claims by federal contractors that they are immune from suit. Here are the basic points to know: What is the lawsuit about? The plaintiffs…
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Appeals court reverses Fremont County judge’s sanction on DA’s office over evidence misunderstanding
Colorado’s second-highest court ruled on Thursday that a Fremont County judge was wrong to reduce the severity of a criminal charge because she believed the district attorney’s office failed to turn over police reports that, in reality, did not exist. Prosecutors charged Derek Eugene Ruppel in early 2025 with one felony and one misdemeanor count…
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Federal judge blocks Colorado law requiring social media platforms to provide warnings to children
A federal judge on Thursday blocked Colorado from implementing a requirement that social media companies notify users younger than 18 of the effects to their mental and physical health from using the platforms. Lawmakers enacted House Bill 1136 by wide margins in 2024, with a goal of providing “research-based education and interventions” about minors’ use…
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10th Circuit rejects defendant’s theory for re-sentencing probation violators
The Denver-based federal appeals court rejected a defendant’s theory for re-sentencing people who violate the terms of their probation last month, with one judge defending his precedent-setting framework from possible full-court review. At the same time, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit agreed the trial judge who sentenced…
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10th Circuit upholds financial incentive for lawyers to take on challenges to immigration detention
The Denver-based federal appeals court ruled on Monday that the law allowing attorneys to recover their costs for prevailing against the government does apply to successful legal challenges to immigration detention. A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit acknowledged a decision to the contrary would deter legal representation for…
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10th Circuit upholds financial incentive for lawyers to take on challenges to immigration detention
The Denver-based federal appeals court ruled on Monday that the law allowing attorneys to recover their costs for prevailing against the government does apply to successful legal challenges to immigration detention. A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit acknowledged a decision to the contrary would deter legal representation for…
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10th Circuit revives retaliation claim against Jeffco sanitation district
The Denver-based federal appeals court on Monday reinstated an attorney’s retaliation claim against her former employer, a special district based in Lakewood, alleging she was fired for statements she made about board members’ malfeasance. Courts have recognized that public employees’ First Amendment rights are more limited, owing to the need for the government to control…
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10th Circuit revives retaliation claim against Jeffco sanitation district
The Denver-based federal appeals court on Monday reinstated an attorney’s retaliation claim against her former employer, a special district based in Lakewood, alleging she was fired for statements she made about board members’ malfeasance. Courts have recognized that public employees’ First Amendment rights are more limited, owing to the need for the government to control…