Colorado’s Supreme Court is no stranger to controversy, with scandals like the “pay for silence” debacle and whistleblower allegations of misconduct. What happened to justice? Dive into the scandals that rocked our judiciary and the reforms aimed at restoring faith in the gavel. Is trust still in session?

Weld County was before the Colorado Supreme Court on Wednesday, December 11. While a ruling will not be handed down until after the first of the year, based on their questioning, even I could make a pretty good guess about how that ruling will go. Since this Democratically appointed, black-robbed regiment is about to tell Weld County voters that they know better how to run our county than we do, I believe we should get to know them.

Learn about the current justices of the Colorado Supreme Court here.

  • Two educated at Yale
  • One educated at Stanford
  • One educated at Harvard
  • Three born in Colorado – that’s a good thing!
  • One born in New York
  • One was born in Brooklyn, where he learned the word Chutzpah (which I took as a compliment, thank you)
  • All seven appointed by Democrats

The Colorado Supreme Court has recently been embroiled in a series of scandals that have significantly eroded public trust in the state’s judicial system. These controversies have raised serious concerns about the integrity and transparency of the judiciary.

The “Pay for Silence” Scandal

In 2019, allegations surfaced that then-Chief Justice Nathan Coats authorized a $2.5 million contract to a former top administrator, Mindy Masias, purportedly to prevent her from disclosing widespread misconduct within the Judicial Department. This arrangement, often referred to as the “pay for silence” scandal, suggested that the contract was intended to buy her silence regarding allegations of sexual harassment and other workplace improprieties. The Denver Post reported that this contract was awarded without a competitive bidding process, raising further questions about its legitimacy.

Non-Compliance with Subpoenas

In June 2022, reports indicated that the Colorado Judicial Department, and by extension the Supreme Court, refused to comply with a subpoena issued by the state’s Commission on Judicial Discipline. The subpoena sought evidence in an inquiry into alleged cover-ups of judicial misconduct. The department’s non-compliance raised concerns about transparency and accountability within the state’s highest court. (COFOIC)

I find it ironic that Justice Samour rather flippantly asked Weld County attorneys in our appearance before the court on Wednesday if Weld “would try to comply with our order” when the Colorado Supreme Court itself does not comply with orders. Again, the Social Compact is broken.

Allegations of Widespread Misconduct

An anonymous complaint detailed how officials, including Colorado Supreme Court justices and members of the Attorney General’s Office, allegedly misled and obstructed investigations into judicial misconduct. The complaint accused these officials of intentionally hindering inquiries and ensuring that additional investigations into uncovered details were halted. (COFOIC)

Allegations of Widespread Cover-Ups

In October 2024, an anonymous 330-page complaint, accompanied by over 3,100 pages of exhibits, was filed with state commissions and the FBI. The complaint alleged a far-reaching conspiracy within Colorado’s judiciary to conceal years of misconduct, including sexual harassment and workplace discrimination. It implicated officials ranging from Colorado Supreme Court justices to the Attorney General’s Office, accusing them of misleading and obstructing investigations into judicial misconduct. (COFOIC)

Impact on Public Trust

These incidents have collectively damaged public confidence in Colorado’s judicial system. The perception that judicial officials are not held accountable for their actions undermines the foundational principle that the judiciary operates with integrity and impartiality. In response, the Colorado Supreme Court amended its Code of Judicial Conduct in June 2021 to explicitly prohibit harassment, retaliation, and other inappropriate workplace behaviors, aiming to restore public trust. (Institute for Advanced Legal Studies)

Calls for Reform

The culmination of these scandals led to calls for significant reforms within the judicial system. In November 2024, Colorado voters were presented with Amendment H, a measure aimed at reforming judicial discipline processes to enhance transparency and accountability. This amendment was a direct response to the scandals that had plagued the state’s judiciary. (CBS News)

Is the Colorado Supreme Court just another broken and mistrusted institution?

The recent scandals involving the Colorado Supreme Court have highlighted critical issues within the state’s judicial system, emphasizing the need for ongoing reforms to rebuild public trust and ensure accountability at all levels.

This very same Colorado Supreme Court will now rule on whether Weld County’s duly enacted charter shall be followed pertaining to the drawing of Commissioner Districts. Referencing my previous writings about the Social Contract, why should Weld County citizens put any credence into what these justices say?

The elitist, politically appointed, black-robbed regiment in Denver is poised to act like they know what’s better for Weld County than do Weld County’s citizens.

I find that arrogant, elitist, and offensive. Do you?

About the author

Scott K. James

A 4th generation Northern Colorado native, Scott K. James is a veteran broadcaster, professional communicator, and principled leader. Widely recognized for his thoughtful, common-sense approach to addressing issues that affect families, businesses, and communities, Scott, his wife, Julie, and son, Jack, call Johnstown, Colorado, home. A former mayor of Johnstown, James is a staunch defender of the Constitution and the rule of law, the free market, and the power of the individual. Scott has delighted in a lifetime of public service and continues that service as a Weld County Commissioner representing District 2.

Share your thoughts...