Colorado § 13-1-401 - Legislative declaration.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-1-401 — Legislative declaration., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 13-1-401. Legislative declaration.
(1) The general assembly hereby finds and declares that:
(a) Access to courts is a cornerstone of Colorado's republican form of government and is therefore a matter of statewide concern. Civil arrest of a person at a courthouse or on its environs, or while going to, attending, or coming from a court proceeding, threatens the values of public access and the core functions of courts and is considered an unreasonable and unlawful seizure whether undertaken by a local, state, or federal officer.
(b) Courts have the affirmative obligation to assert their powers to ensure order and efficient functioning in their proceedings through exercising their contempt power and issuing writs in order to protect the dignity, independence, and integrity of proceedings;
(c) There exists from English common law a privilege from civil arrest at a courthouse and on its environs, or while going to, attending, or coming from a court proceeding. The common law of England is "the rule of decision, and shall be considered as of full force until repealed by legislative authority" pursuant to section 2-4-211, and the common law privilege from civil arrest has not been legislatively repealed.
(d) The general assembly has the power to protect Colorado's court proceedings in order to preserve Colorado's republican form of government and has previously codified the privilege from arrest in specific circumstances to protect the proper functioning of courts; and
(e) This act clarifies Colorado law with respect to court access and judicial power to enforce the protection in order to ensure court access and to prevent interruption of the administration of justice, and clarifies that the protection extends to proceedings conducted under the authority of a court, including, but not limited to, probation and pretrial services.
(2) Nothing in this part 4 narrows, or in any way lessens, any rights or protections from civil arrest at a courthouse or on its environs, or while going to, attending, or coming from a court proceeding, under common law, statute, the United States constitution, the state constitution, or the remedies available for violations of those rights or privileges.
Source: L. 2020: Entire part added, (SB 20-083), ch. 63, p. 215, § 1, effective March 23.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 13-1-401
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-1-401 cover?
Section 13-1-401 ("Legislative declaration.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 13-1-401?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-1-401" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 13-1-401 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.