[1] This part of the state constitution provides that "The district courts shall be trial courts of record with general jurisdiction, and shall have original jurisdiction in all civil, probate, and criminal cases, except as otherwise provided herein, and shall have such appellate jurisdiction as may be prescribed by law."
The constitution also provides for a unique probate court in the consolidated city–county of Denver, which has exclusive jurisdiction in matters of probate and administration of estates.
Unlike a common practice where appeals are reviewed by a panel of at least three judges, the Colorado district courts act in dual capacity (i.e. as trial courts and as appellate courts), thus each appeal is decided by a single judge.
13-6-310(4) further appeal cannot be reviewed by the Court of Appeals, and is only upon writ of certiorari issued in the discretion of Colorado Supreme Court.
There are 23 judicial districts, each encompassing one or more of Colorado's 64 counties.