The ACLU of Colorado sometimes participates in ongoing legal cases as “amicus curiae,” meaning “friend of the court.” An amicus curiae is not a party to a case but can assist the just resolution of a matter by submitting briefs that offer expertise, insight, or context relevant for a court to consider before making its ruling. The ACLU of Colorado participates as amicus curiae in matters implicating its mission to protect, defend and extend the civil rights and civil liberties of all people in Colorado. Below are some of the recent filings the ACLU of Colorado has submitted as amicus curiae.

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Sellers v. CO

We filed an amicus brief calling for an end to mandatory life without parole sentences for people convicted of felony murder.

September 12, 2023 Criminal Legal Reform

Griffith v. El Paso County, et al.

While in the El Paso County Jail, Darlene was excluded from housing with other women inmates, denied women’s undergarments and grooming products, mocked with improper pronouns, and subjected to a strip search by an unsupervised male guard.

August 28, 2023 LGBTQ+ Equality

People v. Clark

We argue that racial bias has no place in our jury system and the Colorado Supreme Court must remand this case for a new trial after a judge refused to excuse for cause a potential juror who made openly racist statements during jury selection.

June 1, 2023 Racial Justice