Welcome!
The Colorado Municipal Judges Association (“CMJA”) is the professional association of Colorado’s municipal judges. We are a Nonprofit Corporation organized for charitable and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Our mission is:
To improve the quality of justice prevailing in the municipal courts of the State of Colorado by enhancing the professionalism and judicial skills of the judges presiding over those courts and promoting respect and support for the integrity of the Colorado municipal court system.
(See Articles of Incorporation of the Colorado Municipal Judges Association, Article III, Objects and Purposes.)
“Quality of life courts”
Municipal or local courts are often referred to as “quality of life courts”. These courts give the public their primary and often only impression of the criminal justice system. More people go before municipal or local courts than the state and federal courts. These courts are also described as the first line of defense a community has in dealing with criminal behavior.
There are 271 incorporated municipalities in Colorado representing 101 Home Rule Cities/Towns; 12 Statutory Cities, 1 Territorial Charter City; and 157 Statutory Towns. There are two consolidated City and County governments. Municipalities may often be in one or more counties and judicial districts. There are more than 215 Colorado Municipal Courts serving these communities.
Colorado Municipal Courts are given grants and limitations of power by the United States Constitution, the Colorado Constitution, the Colorado Revised Statutes, and rules of procedure promulgated by the Colorado Supreme Court. These courts have original, special, exclusive, limited and concurrent jurisdiction in relation to other courts within the State.
The Colorado Municipal Judges Association created this website as a public resource guide for Colorado Municipal Courts.
If you would like to provide comments about this website, please contact us.