Published: Sept. 15, 2004

In the fall of 2004, Colorado Law launched the Juvenile and Family Law Program (JLFP). Coordinated by Professor Clare Huntington, the JFLP offers courses in juvenile and family law, conducts legal and policy research, and hosts conferences and programs related to juvenile and family law. In addition, the JLFP provides students with the opportunity to participate in externships and clinics related to juvenile and family law. The JFLP will host its inaugural event in October, on a new rule simplifying marital dissolution in Colorado. The JFLP is planning two programs for the spring semester. In January, the JFLP, in conjunction with OUTLaw, the Federalist Society, and the Student Trial Lawyers Association, will host a symposium on the law and psychology of same-sex parenting. Later in the semester, the JFLP will host a panel discussion on the Tenth Circuit's decision in Gonzales v. Castle Rock holding that a police department's failure to enforce a civil protection order against an abusive spouse violated the procedural due process rights of the holder of that order. The U.S. Supreme Court granted certiorari on November 1, 2004. The mission of the JFLP is to provide students with opportunities to acquire specialized knowledge in the fields of juvenile and family law; develop a network of, and foster collaboration between, students, academics, and practitioners; and engage in interdisciplinary work in the study and practice of juvenile and family law. Students and practitioners have responded enthusiastically to the creation of the JFLP. Students who have long sought more academic offerings in this area of the law, as well as career counseling and events at the Law School, have expressed great enthusiasm for the new program. Practitioners have also been pleased to see their interests and expertise recognized by the JFLP.