Utah voters flock to website evaluating judge performance

Oct 23, 2024, 12:03 PM | Updated: 12:09 pm

(File)...

(File)

(File)

SALT LAKE CITY — Traffic rose 58% compared to the last election cycle for a website offering judge performance evaluations in Utah, according to the non-partisan commission that runs the site.

Where to go: The Utah Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission

The Utah Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission (JPEC) provides a snapshot of the performance of each judge on the ballot. While voters do not elect judges in Utah, the decision to keep them on the bench rests with Utah voters.

“Most citizens, most voters don’t spend time in court. So it’s hard for them to have firsthand information on a judge,” said Mary-Margaret Pingree, executive director of JPEC. “We want voters to feel like there’s a place they can turn for unbiased information about judges.”

Two years ago, JPEC rolled out a revamped site version, making it easier to navigate. At the time, the commission told KSL about 23% of Utah voters leave their ballots unfinished. Now, voters can search for a judge by name or look up the judges on their ballot by county using the website.

Back in 2022, looking just at the first couple of days since mail-in ballots went out, JPEC recorded 19,276 visits. This year, the site recorded 30,515 visits.

How judge performance evaluations work in Utah

The legislature established JPEC in 2008. It comprises 13 members, appointed by all three branches of government, with safeguards in place to prevent one party from dominating the discussion.

Pingree said evaluations are performed “blind,” meaning the commissioners don’t know the name, race, or other identifying information about a Utah judge before assessing their performance. They evaluate each judge based on measures including their integrity, administrative skills, procedural fairness and legal ability. Each judge is scored on a 1 to 5 scale; they must score a minimum of 3.6 average in order to get a favorable recommendation from the commission.

Those evaluations come after a fairly rigorous process. JPEC relies on trained volunteers who observe each judge in action to help gather data for their reviews. They also survey stakeholders, including attorneys, jurors and other court employees, about each judge.

On the website, the initial search leads users to that favorable recommendation, but clicking on a judge’s name yields more details about their individual evaluation. It details how the judge scored on that 1 to 5 scale compared to their peers as well as the minimum. You can also see a breakdown of how many commissioners approved the rating as well as what the survey results concluded.

KSL 5 TV Live

A photo of the exterior of Scott Owen's mental health therapy business, Canyon Counseling Center. O...

Mary Culbertson

Provo therapist pleads guilty to sexually abusing patients over the course of at least 7 years

After multiple patients came forward saying their therapist, Scott Owens, sexually abused them, Owens finally admitted to at least two of the instances in court.

59 minutes ago

Gavin sitting on his ATV that was donated by the Make-a-Wish, Young Powersports and the Caring for ...

Tamara Vaifanua

Looking Out for the Good: Payson teen gets surprised with an ATV

It was a special day for a teen in Payson after his wish was granted on Tuesday.

1 hour ago

Police on the scene of a shooting in Taylorsville at sent two adults to the hospital and caused sev...

Mary Culbertson

2 seriously injured in Taylorsville shooting, prompting ‘hold’ protocol at 10 schools

Multiple schools were placed on "hold" protocol after a shooting in Taylorsville.

2 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Real Salt Lake Will Host Club América In Phase 1 Of Leagues Cup

As a part of the seeding phase of the Leagues Cup, Real Salt Lake will host three different sides from Liga MX, Mexico's top-flight league, at America First Field, including Club América, one of North America's most popular and recognizable teams.

2 hours ago

A 7-year-old girl (left) is fighting for her life after she and her sisters were tragically involve...

Mary Culbertson

7-year-old Utah girl fighting for her life after tragic murder-suicide in Wyoming

A 7-year-old Utah girl is fighting for her life after surviving a murder-suicide killed three of her sisters, and left her in critical condition.

2 hours ago

Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald Trump's choice to be the Director of National Intelligence, arrives...

David Klepper, Associated Press

Senate confirms Gabbard as Trump’s director of national intelligence after Republicans fall in line

The Senate has confirmed Tulsi Gabbard as President Donald Trump’s director of national intelligence.

4 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

Utah voters flock to website evaluating judge performance