DENVER—The Colorado Judicial Department shares in deep sadness the news of former Colorado Supreme Court Justice Melissa Hart’s passing.

Justice Hart served on the Colorado Supreme Court from 2017 to 2025, bringing a scholar’s rigor and a teacher’s compassion to the bench. While serving on the Court, Justice Hart also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Colorado Law School and the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. Justice Hart grew up in Denver and graduated from East High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Harvard-Radcliffe College, and her law degree from Harvard Law. Justice Hart clerked for Judge Guido Calabresi of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and for Justice John Paul Stevens of the United States Supreme Court.

On behalf of the Supreme Court and the entire Judicial Branch, we offer our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends during this difficult time. Her colleagues will remember her wisdom, her warmth, and her devotion to the work of the Court. Justice Hart’s legacy will leave a lasting impact on those who knew her.