Gun control is a much studied and debated topic. Proponents of gun control argue that the availability of firearms is directly linked to gun deaths and injury, especially in situations of domestic violence. Opponents counter that crime victims who defend themselves with guns are less likely to...

According to the Federal Trade Commission, in 2015 Colorado ranked 21st in the nation for the number of identity theft victims, with 123.2 victims per 100,000 population. Identity theft is generally defined as the unlawful use of personal identifying or financial information of another person to...

State legislatures have emphasized the importance of collecting deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) to solve crimes. This issue brief describes legislative efforts, both in Colorado and across the country, to mandate that individuals convicted of or arrested for a crime submit a DNA sample for entry...

The purpose of this publication is to compile information on Colorado law related to sex offenses and sex offenders.  Included in this report is the following:

•     a listing of sex offenses in Colorado law;

•     information...

In the 2013 legislative session, the General Assembly enacted Senate Bill 13-011, the Colorado Civil Union Act. This issue brief summarizes the provisions of the act and discusses other states' laws concerning same-sex marriage and civil unions. A brief explanation of two same-sex marriage cases...

Colorado’s state court system is comprised of many different courts, including the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals (COA), and district courts. Colorado law also governs county courts and jurisdiction-specific courts in Denver.1 This issue brief describes the qualification requirements and...

Presented to the Joint Health Committee.

 The U.S. Constitution guarantees each citizen the right to a fair trial, which includes the right to be present at the trial, able to understand the nature of the proceedings, and able to participate in his or her defense.  Whether the defendant’s mental health impaired his or her ability to...

This issue brief provides an overview of how the justice system treats juveniles found guilty of a crime in Colorado.  It discusses juvenile problem solving courts; detention and commitment; the facilities where juveniles are housed; the programs and services available; requirements for...

Colorado law imposes standards on, and grants certain responsibilities to, persons considered peace officers, including the authority to enforce Colorado law.  This issue brief provides information on training and certification of peace officers, reserve officers, and the process for...

There are 86 courthouse facilities in Colorado: 71 courthouses and 15 probation offices.  This issue brief provides an overview of court and court facility funding.  Specifically, information is provided on state, county, and municipal court funding requirements and state supplemental funding...

This memorandum provides an overview of the County Courthouse and County Jail Funding and Overcrowding Solutions Interim Study Committee, including the charge of the committee, the committee membership, the bill limits, the bill request deadlines applicable to the committee, and information...