Bill of Rights

Abstract

This chapter examines the Colorado Bill of Rights. It focuses on situations in which Colorado rights have significance independent of the federal Bill of Rights. This occurs when a Colorado provision has no federal counterpart or is interpreted to limit state government more strictly than its federal equivalent. An important provision protects privacy against government searches and seizures somewhat more than the federal Fourth Amendment. Others provide protection against retroactive civil laws and provide for condemnation of easements to serve mining and agriculture interests. Explicit provisions protect property rights of alien residents and require owners’ consent to municipal annexations. The chapter also explains Colorado’s unique path to constitutional protection of equal protection of the laws.