Judicial selection in Utah
| Judicial selection in Utah | |
 | |
| Utah Supreme Court | |
| Method: | Comm. select., Gov. appt. with Senate confirmation |
| Term: | 10 years |
| Utah Court of Appeals | |
| Method: | Comm. select., Gov. appt. with Senate confirmation |
| Term: | 6 years |
| Utah District Courts | |
| Method: | Comm. select., Gov. appt. with Senate confirmation |
| Term: | 4 years |
| Utah Justice Courts | |
| Method: | County commission/city official appointment |
| Term: | 4 years |
Contents |
Judges of the Utah courts are chosen through a commission process. [1]
Supreme Court
Justices of the Utah Supreme Court are recommended by a nominating commission to the governor. After the governor makes her or his appointment, the nominee is confirmed by the Utah Senate. Justices serve ten year terms.
If an interim vacancy occurs, the position is filled in the same way. Judges must stand for retention in the next general election after more than three years in office.
The Chief Justice serves a term of four years and is elected by the other justices of the court.
In order to serve on the court, one must meet these requirements:
- a resident of the United States;
- a state resident for at least five years;
- at least 30 years of age;
- admitted to practice law in the state; and
- no more than 75 years of age. [1]
Court of Appeals
Judges of the Utah Court of Appeals are also appointed by the governor, but serve six year terms.
The chief judge of the court serves a two year term and is elected by the other judges of the court.
In order to serve on the court, one must meet these requirements:
- a resident of the United States;
- a state resident for at least three years;
- at least 25 years of age;
- admitted to practice law in that state; and
- no more than 75 years of age. [1]
District Courts
All aspects of judicial selection in the Utah District Courts is the same as that of the Utah Court of Appeals, except that District Court judges serve four year terms. [1]
Justice Courts
Judges of the Utah Justice Courts include county judges who are appointed by county commissions and municipal judges who are appointed by city officials. Both participate in a retention election every four years.
Judges of the Justice Courts do not need to be attorneys. [2]
See also
External links
References
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