Author: George Brauchler
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Justice Brian Boatright has my vote for retention | George Brauchler
I have seen many opinions on social media and in these pages weighing in on the retention of judges and justices on this year’s ballot. Those who have recommended voting lockstep one way on all judges, or on all justices are equally misguided. I have been called and texted many, many times asking for my…
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A flawed fix for Colorado’s compromised court system | George Brauchler
Amendment H, concerning judicial discipline and confidentiality, is an upgrade from our current system, but an unnecessarily flawed one. It is ripe for political and geographic bias. Amendment H would amend our state constitution “establishing an independent judicial discipline adjudicative board….” It replaces the current system of the Commission on Judicial Discipline (judges alone) investigating…
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Overrule the Capitol’s criminal coddlers; here’s how | George Brauchler
We have two more opportunities to repair the damage done by those in power on our ballots this November through Amendment 1 and Proposition 130. Colorado’s Constitution guarantees bail for criminal offenses, except where the proof is evident or the presumption is great that the crime was capital (potentially death penalty-eligible) murder. In 2020, despite…
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Revolving door makes sentencing a farce in Colorado | George Brauchler
Our prison system is broken and failing Coloradans. Decisions by the Colorado Department of Corrections, Gov. Jared Polis’ parole board, and our increasingly progressive Legislature have put Coloradans at risk of criminal victimization. The responsibility for this deteriorating situation lies completely at the feet of those decision-makers. This November, Coloradans have the chance to prevent…
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No room at the inn — just the streets — for youth offenders | George Brauchler
The conditions in Colorado are ripe for a violent juvenile crime wave. Of the many arguable reasons for juvenile crime, one thing is certain: our elected officials are on the side of the juvenile criminals and they are making it easier for them to commit more and worse crimes. On July 10, a 14-year-old who…
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COLUMN: Would Harris as prez still balk at the death penalty?
Vice President — and recently anointed Democrat nominee for president — Kamala Harris again has dusted off her prosecution credentials to create a “law and order” distinction with her legally challenged Republican opponent. It is more complicated and serious than that for the vice president. Harris has numerous public safety and criminal justice problems. Will…
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Heartless tweet warrants true contrition, no less | George Brauchler
In matters of public concern — just like in our private lives — we should be ready to extend grace and forgiveness to those who offend us. We should not forgive Colorado state Rep. Steven Woodrow. Not until he masters the prerequisite skill of taking responsibility. In the wake of the attempted assassination of Donald…
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Generation gap and more skew Denver cops’ public image | George Brauchler
Absent from news coverage of the latest poll of Denver by the bipartisan Colorado Polling Institute (CPI) is a dire warning for the Denver Police Department (DPD). It is an epic challenge that, if unaddressed, will drastically affect how Denver deals with crime and public safety. DPD has a growing problem. The key findings of…
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Politics isn’t sports; sports, at least, has standards | George Brauchler
Unity. That is the political word de jour in the aftermath of the primary elections this past Tuesday. I was in the trenches and on the ballot this campaign cycle and since Tuesday, the GOP mantra is “unity.” I am not there yet. Politics is a rough-and-tumble endeavor. In my five trips to the ballot…
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Trump prosecution was ‘bathed in politics’ | George Brauchler
Last week, a businessman was convicted of feloniously and fraudulently making business entries in furtherance of another crime. He was indicted by a duly empaneled grand jury based on evidence brought by a duly elected district attorney. He was prosecuted in a public courtroom in front of an experienced and well-respected judge. The evidence and…