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Bill

HB 1288

Jury Selection Requirements

2026 Regular Session

HB 1288 expands Colorado jury selection procedures by modifying voir dire requirements and juror qualification standards to reduce bias and improve impartiality in court proceedings.

Governor Signed
#courts&judicial
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Bill Summary · HB 1288

Legislative bill overview

HB 1288 modifies the jury selection process in Colorado courts by establishing new requirements for voir dire (jury questioning) and juror qualification standards. The bill aims to ensure more impartial juries by expanding the scope of questions attorneys can ask potential jurors and potentially adjusting dismissal criteria based on juror responses.

Why is this important

Jury composition directly affects case outcomes and public confidence in the judicial system. Changes to selection procedures can significantly impact both criminal defendants and prosecutors, as well as civil litigants, by altering which citizens serve and how effectively biases are identified. This is particularly relevant given ongoing national debates about jury impartiality in high-profile cases.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of questioning vs. efficiency: Expanded voir dire could prolong jury selection, increasing court costs and case delays, versus improved jury impartiality
  • Juror privacy concerns: Broader questioning about personal beliefs, experiences, and biases may make potential jurors uncomfortable disclosing sensitive information
  • Inconsistent application: New selection requirements could be applied differently across counties or judges, creating fairness disparities between defendants in different jurisdictions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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