Tag: Judge Susan Blanco
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Susan Blanco new Colorado Supreme Court justice
Chief Judge Susan Blanco of Larimer and Jackson counties is the newest member of the Colorado Supreme Court, Gov. Jared Polis announced on Tuesday. “A few words come to mind: Innovation. Excellence. Creativity. Hard work. These are values we need across society,” said Polis during a news conference announcing Blanco’s appointment. Blanco, 48, became a…
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Who are the 3 finalists for the Colorado Supreme Court?
A citizen-led nominating commission has chosen the finalists for a vacancy on the Colorado Supreme Court, the first opening in five years on the seven-member court. The vacancy arose after the unexpected resignation of Justice Melissa Hart, who formally departed on Jan. 5 following an extended “leave of absence” since the fall. The three finalists…
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Christopher Zenisek, trial judge experienced with high-profile cases | SUPREME COURT FINALISTS
After the Marshall fire burned through Boulder County in the final days of 2021 and wound up destroying more than 1,000 homes, the sprawling 4,000-plaintiff litigation was assigned to District Court Judge Christopher Zenisek of Jefferson County. Zenisek would go on to issue more than 100 orders, hold dozens of hearings and, ultimately, much of…
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Susan Blanco, innovator in the judiciary | SUPREME COURT FINALISTS
Less than 24 hours after her selection as a finalist for a Colorado Supreme Court vacancy, Chief Judge Susan Blanco was back on the bench in Fort Collins, moving methodically through the variety of complications she encountered. “Your goatee might grow to your belly button by then,” she quipped to a defendant awaiting the delayed…
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Colorado justices rule Larimer County judge wrongly denied competency second opinion to defendant
The Colorado Supreme Court determined on Monday that a Larimer County judge had no choice but to permit a doctor to give their second opinion on a criminal defendant’s competency to proceed, even though he had received numerous such evaluations in the past. Justice Carlos A. Samour Jr., in the Jan. 12 decision, noted that…
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Colorado justices splinter over approach to sentencing review
Members of the Colorado Supreme Court were divided on Monday about whether vehicular homicide stemming from intoxicated driving is “grave and serious” in every possible scenario, with two justices suggesting the court reconfigure its approach for determining the proportionality of criminal sentences. The Eighth Amendment’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment means sentences cannot be…
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Colorado Supreme Court to hear 2 Denver criminal appeals
The justices may also intervene in an ongoing criminal case to determine if the defendant is entitled to a fifth competency evaluation
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Colorado Supreme Court takes up cases on severity of vehicular homicide, disclosure of child abuse reports
The Colorado Supreme Court announced on Monday it will hear cases addressing the severity of sentences for vehicular homicide caused by intoxication and the level of information about child abuse reports that can be disclosed in open records requests. At least three of the seven justices must agree to take up an appeal. ‘Grave and…
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Allegations against ex-Arapahoe County judge encompassed sexual comments to staff, improper influence in case
Documents provided by the Colorado Supreme Court revealed in detail the cascading allegations against former Arapahoe County District Court Judge John E. Scipione, who resigned last year and was censured earlier this month for misconduct towards staff and colleagues. The Colorado Commission on Judicial Discipline initiated multiple investigations against Scipione, beginning after two 18th Judicial…