The Colorado Supreme Court and Court of Appeals provide an educational outreach program for high schools which introduces students to the state’s appellate process. In the program, Courts in the Community, each court travels at least once a year to a different school to hear oral arguments in two real cases at each location. In spring 2021, only one Courts in the Communithy event could be scheduled, and the format was changed to online only, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A division of the Colorado Court of Appeals heard oral arguments during an online session on Friday, March 26, 2021, designed to give students at Durango High School the opportunity to observe arguments as well as ask questions of attorneys and judges. 

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.

Colorado Court of Appeals
Durango High School, Friday, March 26, 2021
20CA216, Elizabeth Morin v. ISS Facility Services Inc., and City and County of Denver
Notice of appeal
Trial court order on motion to dismiss
Trial court order on motion for attorney fees and costs
Opening brief
Answer brief
Reply brief

18CA1139, People of the State of Colorado v. Eric William Grant
Notice of appeal
Opening brief
Answer brief
Reply brief