CAF909E7E327D6088725889A005AD123 Hearing Summary

Ms. Kourlis resumed her presentation and further discussed training, employment climate surveys, and an ombuds position to triage complaints. 

Ms. Kauffman highlighted key recommendations about judicial discipline commission structure,  including independence, impartiality, composition, and funding.  She also outlined rule-making authority and online accessibility.  She further discussed the complaint process, confidentiality, transparency, and education and outreach. 

Committee members asked questions about the supreme court maintaining a leadership role in overseeing judicial conduct.  Further discussion followed about separating the ultimate adjudicative function from the supreme court when it is about one of them.  Additional questions were raised about the ombuds position, and the pros and cons of one and two- tier judicial discipline structures. 

Committee discussion ensued about harrassment, human resources, and workplace culture.  Further questions were asked about the qualifications of an ombudsperson. 

The IAALS report may be read here in its entirety:  https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/committees/18-iaals-104_judicial_discipline_report_r2.indd_.pdf