Polis Appoints Blanco to Colorado Supreme Court

Colorado Governor Jared Polis announced the appointment of Susan Blanco as the newest justice to the Colorado Supreme Court on Tuesday. Blanco, formerly the chief judge of Colorado’s 8th Judicial District, will fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Justice Melissa Hart.

Background

Susan Blanco served as chief judge of Colorado’s 8th Judicial District, covering Larimer and Jackson counties, becoming the first woman to hold the position. She was born and raised in Fort Collins and is the daughter of Iranian immigrants, making her the apparent first person of Middle Eastern or West Asian descent to serve on the Colorado Supreme Court. Blanco holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Colorado State University, a master’s degree in law from Duke University, and a law degree from CU Boulder.

Polis’s Remarks

Governor Polis described Blanco as embodying “innovation, excellence, creativity, and hard work,” values he believes are essential for the judiciary. Blanco acknowledged her heritage and expressed concern for the rule of law in the Middle East, stating she is a “living promise of the American dream.”

Legal Experience and Community Involvement

Prior to her appointment, Blanco presided over a variety of cases, including criminal, civil, probate, domestic relations, and appeals. She currently serves on the board for Bridges of Colorado and the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System. She was also a founding board member of the Colorado Bar Association’s Diverse Attorney Community Circle and a founding member of Colorado’s Middle Eastern North African Bar Association.

Colorado Supreme Court Function

The Colorado Supreme Court hears cases reviewed from lower state courts. The court receives over 1,000 applications annually and typically issues between 60 and 100 opinions, covering areas such as attorney discipline, water rights, Public Utility Commission cases, prosecutorial appeals, and state election issues. Colorado Supreme Court justices serve 10-year terms.

Recent Cases

The court has recently addressed cases including a lawsuit involving a snowboarder hit by a Breckenridge resort employee, the disbarment of a former prosecutor, a lawsuit from Boulder against Exxon and Suncor regarding fossil fuel emissions, and President Trump’s eligibility to run in the 2024 election. The latter ruling was ultimately overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Welcoming Blanco

Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Monica M. Márquez welcomed Blanco to the court, noting a substantial workload ahead. Blanco emphasized the solemn responsibility of interpreting and upholding the laws of the state and affirmed that justice belongs to everyone.