23rd Judicial District Marks Historic Event

Castle Rock, CO, Jan. 14, 2025—Today, the Colorado Judicial Department celebrated the establishment of the new 23rd Judicial District of Colorado at a swearing-in ceremony at the Douglas County Courthouse. This is the first time in 62 years the department has created a new Judicial District; the 22nd Judicial District was added in 1963.

“Splitting a Judicial District in two is no small endeavor,” said Steven Vasconcellos, State Court Administrator for the Colorado Judicial Department in his remarks during the ceremony. “Today is the culmination of countless hours of hard work and collaboration.”

Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln counties are the newly created 23rd Judicial District, and Arapahoe County will remain in the 18th Judicial District. Chief Judge Michelle Amico will continue to serve as chief judge of the 18th Judicial District. The passage of HB20-1026 in 2020 split the 18th Judicial District, the largest in the state with a million people, based on population growth in Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln counties.

More than 300 people were in attendance during the ceremony and witnessed the swearing in of 150 staff to the district including district court chief district judge, district court judges, county court judges, magistrates, court executive, clerks of court, and chief probation officer, supervisors and officers.  

“This moment is a testament to the growth and evolution of our community, a recognition that the needs of our citizens are ever-changing and that our judicial system must evolve alongside them,” said Chief Judge Ryan Stuart of the 23rd Judicial District.  

Chief Judge Stuart formerly served as a district court judge in the 18th Judicial District and, for the last year, has served as the administrative judge responsible for ensuring a smooth transition of staff and services to the 23rd Judicial District.  

Integrity, fairness, transparency, and a steadfast commitment to the rule of law will the guiding principals for the district, said Chief Judge Stuart during his address to the 23rd Judicial District staff and guests.

“We will be inclusive, collaborative, and innovative in our service of justice,” he said. “We will remain ever mindful of our duty to ensure that all who enter our courts are treated with respect and dignity, that justice is applied equitably, and that our decisions reflect the needs and values of the communities we serve. 

For more information about courts that encompass the new 23rd Judicial District, visit coloradojudicial.gov/trial-courts-district.

Attachments

• Chief Judge Ryan Stuart 23JD Photo
• 23JD Group Photo

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