The Colorado Civil Justice League (CCJL) has announced the recipients of its Common Sense in the Courtroom Awards, which honor legislators committed to reducing lawsuit abuse. This announcement comes amid a backdrop of increasing legislative activity that has expanded opportunities for litigation across various sectors in Colorado, including employment, property, and manufacturing.
According to the CCJL, over the past three legislative sessions, at least 125 bills were introduced that created new causes of action or expanded liability exposure. More than 50 of these bills became law. Business groups and consumer-cost advocates argue that such trends contribute to higher insurance premiums, increased operational risks for small employers, and encourage aggressive tactics from trial lawyers. The awards aim to recognize legislators who strive to balance access to justice with safeguards against system abuse while maintaining economic affordability.
The organization reports that this volume of litigation-expanding legislation reflects a multi-year pattern of statutory changes increasing exposure for employers, property owners, and manufacturers. The CCJL credits bipartisan coalitions with blocking several measures and advancing targeted liability protections. They emphasize the need for ongoing legislative vigilance to prevent excessive litigation costs.
Nationally, the U.S. tort system cost an estimated $443 billion in 2020—equivalent to roughly 2.1% of GDP—according to the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform. Colorado’s share of these costs translates into billions annually in litigation-related expenses borne by households and businesses. The CCJL and allied groups argue that these sustained costs are a result of lawsuit proliferation driven by trial-lawyer advertising and expansion of private rights of action, which directly affects insurance rates and economic competitiveness.
The Colorado Civil Justice League is a statewide advocacy organization focused on limiting lawsuit abuse while maintaining a fair civil-justice system for legitimate claimants. Founded to promote legal reform and economic competitiveness, CCJL collaborates with policymakers, business coalitions, and community stakeholders to advance balanced liability standards. The group underscores the importance of predictable legal frameworks in preserving consumer affordability and protecting small businesses from excessive litigation costs.
