Colorado Supreme Court Justice Brings Law, Life Lessons to Westgate Community School

Students at Westgate Community School in Thornton recently had a rare opportunity to engage directly with the judicial system when Richard L. Gabriel, Associate Justice of the Colorado Supreme Court, visited the school for an in-depth conversation about law, civic responsibility, and life beyond the classroom.

The visit came about through a personal connection rooted in civic education. Daniella Parisi, a high school social studies teacher at Westgate, was named the Governor’s 2025 Colorado Civic Educator of the Year. At the award ceremony, Parisi met Justice Gabriel and extended an invitation for him to visit Westgate and speak directly with students.

On the day of the visit, students gathered in theater-style rows, prepared not just to listen but to participate. Before the event, classes completed a discovery project on Justice Gabriel’s life and career, researching his background and drafting thoughtful questions.

What followed was a wide-ranging dialogue that brought the realities of the justice system into sharp focus.

From Brooklyn to the Bench

Raised in Brooklyn, New York, Justice Gabriel grew up in poverty and was a first-generation college student. “I knew I wanted more for myself,” he explained, crediting strong teachers who helped him navigate the path to college and, later, law school. He attended Yale University as an American History major, supported by significant financial aid, and later earned his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

Before joining the bench, Gabriel built a diverse legal career. After working in Pennsylvania and New York, he moved to Denver and founded a law firm specializing in copyright and trademark law. His cases included representing Michael Jackson in a successful copyright dispute involving the song Dangerous, defending the Colorado Rockies in litigation over their former mascot Dinger, and overseeing tens of thousands of cases related to illegal music downloading.

Eventually, he said, the desire to give back led him to extensive pro bono work and, ultimately, to apply for a judgeship through Colorado’s merit-based selection system. He served seven years on the Colorado Court of Appeals before being appointed to the Colorado Supreme Court, where he is now the longest-serving justice.

Students Ask, Justice Answers

Justice Gabriel emphasized what he called two “immense privileges” in American democracy: the right to vote and the duty to serve as a juror. “Serving on a jury means you get to decide the facts,” he told students, underscoring the power and responsibility citizens hold.

Students asked pointed questions about the law and current issues. Asked about jury nullification, Gabriel said he believes it undermines the rule of law because jurors swear an oath to apply the law as written. On discrimination, he explained that while many cases are federal, state courts do address issues such as selective prosecution and religious freedom disputes, citing well-known Colorado examples.

Questions also touched on the inner workings of the court. Gabriel explained the difference between associate justice and chief justice, noting that the chief justice is “first among equals” with significant administrative responsibilities and the power to assign who writes opinions. Unlike the federal system, Colorado justices select their own chief.

High-Profile Cases and Hard Realities

When asked about high-profile cases, Gabriel acknowledged appearing on CNN during the Michael Jackson litigation but cautioned against seeking media attention. He spoke candidly about receiving death threats following the Colorado Supreme Court’s 4–3 decision regarding former President Trump’s eligibility for the ballot, a ruling later overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court. “You can disagree with me,” he said. “Just do it respectfully.”

Other student questions ranged from sentencing guidelines and trying juveniles as adults to forensic evidence, AI in the courts, and whether politics influences judicial decisions. Gabriel repeatedly returned to the idea of judicial oath and process. “Technically, politics should never play a role,” he said, explaining that judges must recuse themselves if bias could interfere.

Justice Gabriel closed with advice that echoed his own journey. 

“Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something,” he told students. “There is a lot of intelligence in this room, and it gives me hope for the future. Do what you’re passionate about, and you’ll have a long and happy life.”

Note: Student questions and Justice Gabriel’s responses have been edited for length and clarity.