Melissa Hart, a retired associate justice of the Colorado Supreme Court and chair of the American Bar Association’s (ABA) Accreditation Council, passed away on October 1, 2026. She was 57 years old. ([denvergazette.com](https://www.denvergazette.com/2026/10/01/former-colorado-justice-melissa-hart-dies-2/?utm_source=openai))
Appointed to the Colorado Supreme Court in December 2017 by then-Governor John Hickenlooper, Hart served until January 2026. During her tenure, she was the court’s liaison to the Colorado Access to Justice Commission and the Standing Committee on Family Issues. In these roles, she advocated for improved access to legal services for underserved communities. ([denvergazette.com](https://www.denvergazette.com/2026/10/01/former-colorado-justice-melissa-hart-dies-2/?utm_source=openai))
After retiring from the bench, Hart continued her commitment to legal education and accreditation. She was elected chair of the ABA’s Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar for the 2026–2027 term. In this capacity, she led the council responsible for accrediting law schools across the United States. ([americanbar.org](https://www.americanbar.org/groups/legal_education/accreditation/news/general-news/2026/2026-2027-council-slate/?utm_source=openai))
Under her leadership, the council faced significant challenges, including the repeal of Standard 206, which had required law schools to demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion. The decision to eliminate this standard was met with both support and criticism, reflecting the complex landscape of legal education and accreditation. ([insidehighered.com](https://www.insidehighered.com/news/governance/accreditation/2026/09/08/aba-accreditation-council-repeals-diversity-standard?utm_source=openai))
Hart’s contributions extended beyond her official roles. She co-authored an article emphasizing the need for law schools and state supreme courts to adapt to meet the legal needs of underserved populations. This work highlighted her dedication to ensuring that the legal profession remains responsive to societal needs. ([nyulawreview.org](https://nyulawreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/100-NYU-L-Rev-1381.pdf?utm_source=openai))
Governor Jared Polis expressed his condolences, stating, “Justice Hart was a leader in family law and access to justice, and I am grateful for her service to the state and her judicial commitment to fairness and equality.” He announced that flags would be flown at half-staff on the day of her memorial. ([denvergazette.com](https://www.denvergazette.com/2026/10/01/former-colorado-justice-melissa-hart-dies-2/?utm_source=openai))
Melissa Hart’s passing marks the loss of a dedicated jurist and advocate for justice. Her efforts to enhance access to legal services and her leadership in legal education have left a lasting impact on the legal community.