1976, July, Pg. 954. Legislative Action Report.

• Author: by Gordon G. Gauss

5 Colo.Law. 954

Colorado Lawyer

1976.

1976, July, Pg. 954.

Legislative Action Report

954Vol. 5, No. 7, Pg. 954Legislative Action Reportby Gordon G. GaussCBA public relations and legislative counselFinal Omnibus Resolution

Major studies affecting Colorado's judiciary, the state's methods of prosecuting criminal cases, its jails, its tort liability laws, its inheritance tax and even its efforts to help handicapped children are included in an omnibus resolution (H.J.R. 1047) passed by the legislature before the close of its 1976 session.

The sweep of the resolution, plus its requirement that committees report by the end of this year, poses the question of whether thorough studies can be made.

Two committees, each composed of 14 members, were set up by the Legislative Council to carry out parts of the resolution touching specifically on the legal profession and the judiciary.

Judiciary IOne of these groups, known as Judiciary I, will make the judiciary study. Its examinations will include the method of selecting judges, the operation of judicial nominating commissions, whether more candidates should be nominated for judicial posts and whether judges should be elected.

The committee is directed, too, to consider the roles of part-time judges, referees and hearing masters. It also is to study retention of judges, retirement or removal of jurists and work of the judicial qualifications commission.

Administrative and rule-making procedures of the judicial branch are to be considered. Part of the charge is study of "the relationship of the legislative and judicial branches of the government in determining matters of substance and procedure."

With some additions this committee's duties carry out the intent of H.J.R. 1035 introduced by Rep. Charles B. Howe, D-Boulder, with support of the Colorado Bar Association and Chief Justice Edward E. Pringle. Originally a two-year study was projected.

Chairman of the committee is Sen. Ralph A. Cole, R-Littleton, and the vice chairman is Rep. Gerald H. Kopel, D-Denver. Howe is a member, as is Rep. Forrest Burns, D-Lamar, who seven times has tried to restore the contested elections for judges. Both Cole and Kopel are lawyers and CBA members.

A nine-member advisory committee will work with the legislators. Included will be three appointees of the Colorado Bar Association. The chief justice...