Colorado Supreme Court Justice Monica Márquez was sworn in as the state’s new chief justice Friday.
According to the Denver Post, Márquez, the first Latina chief justice in Colorado, succeeds Brian Boatright, who led the court through challenging times.
Márquez takes over from Brian Boatright, who served as chief justice during a tumultuous period marked by allegations of blackmail and mismanagement in the Colorado Judicial Department. These issues culminated in the public censure of former Chief Justice Nathan Coats, Boatright’s predecessor.
Márquez was sworn in during a private ceremony on Friday afternoon, becoming Colorado’s first Latina chief justice. She was named as Boatright’s successor in 2020, coinciding with the Colorado Supreme Court’s decision to implement term limits for its chief justices for the first time.
In a statement, Márquez expressed her gratitude to Boatright: "I am deeply grateful to Chief Justice Boatright for his leadership. He has overseen significant changes to the administration of the branch in recent years, and his humble leadership has been a model for all of us."
Márquez added, "As he now hands me the baton, I am ready to carry forward the momentum his leadership has created. Our highest mission remains serving the people of Colorado and upholding the integrity of the judicial system."
Boatright served as chief justice for three and a half years, navigating the department through significant challenges. Traditionally, chief justices could remain indefinitely in the role, but the position now rotates on a set schedule of multi-year terms.
Boatright praised Márquez in an email to judicial employees, writing, "Having worked closely with Justice Márquez for nearly 13 years, I can unequivocally say that the Department is in good hands. She is kind, thoughtful and brilliant. Most importantly, she cares deeply about the well-being of everyone in the branch."
The blackmail scandal, which implicated the Colorado Judicial Department’s leadership in awarding a lucrative contract to a former employee to prevent misconduct allegations, led to significant changes within the department. An investigation found Coats to be out-of-touch, easily manipulated, and ill-equipped to manage a branch of government.
Márquez joined the Colorado Supreme Court in 2010 after serving as a prosecutor in the Colorado Attorney General’s Office. She grew up in Grand Junction and broke barriers as the first Latina and openly gay justice on the state’s high court.
Her appointment as chief justice represents a historic milestone for diversity and inclusion within Colorado’s judicial system. Márquez’s leadership is expected to continue the department’s efforts to address past issues and enhance its administrative support for the chief justice.
In her statement, Márquez emphasized her commitment to serving the people of Colorado and maintaining the integrity of the judicial system. Her tenure is anticipated to build on the reforms initiated under Boatright's leadership, ensuring a more robust and transparent administration.
Justice Monica Márquez’s swearing-in marks a significant moment in Colorado’s judicial history. Taking over from Brian Boatright, Márquez brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to uphold the judicial system's integrity. Her tenure is expected to continue the reforms initiated by her predecessor, addressing past issues and enhancing administrative support. The Colorado Supreme Court now looks to the future with a focus on transparency, accountability, and dynamic leadership.
