In a recent government meeting, officials provided a comprehensive overview of the judicial workload across various districts in the state, highlighting significant disparities in court operations and staffing.

The 1st District, which encompasses Box Elder, Cache, and Rich Counties, features a unique court structure. Rich County operates a single, slow court that experiences seasonal fluctuations in caseload, particularly during peak tourist seasons at Bear Lake. In contrast, Box Elder and Cache Counties each host five courts, with the Box Elder County Justice Court and Logan Justice Court classified as Class 1 due to their high filing volumes exceeding 500 cases. Overall, the 1st District manages approximately three judges' worth of work, despite having seven judges, many of whom serve part-time.

The 2nd District, covering Weber, Davis, and Morgan Counties, operates with a total of 10.5 judges' workload, performed by nine judges, all of whom hold law degrees. This district is notable for its efficient staffing, as it is the only district in the state where all judges are legally trained.

In the 3rd District, which includes Salt Lake County, the workload is significantly higher, necessitating about 20.5 judges, with 18 judges currently serving. This district also has a mix of Class 1 courts, with one judge lacking a law degree.

The 4th District, covering Utah County and surrounding areas, has a complex structure with multiple courts often sharing judges. Utah County alone has enough work for 7.5 judges, but is currently staffed by seven judges, with some judges serving across multiple counties.

As the meeting progressed, officials discussed the 6th District, which includes counties like San Pete and Iron, where court operations are less intensive, and the 7th District, covering Carbon, Emery, Grand, and San Juan Counties, where judges often handle multiple courts.

Finally, the 8th District, comprising Daggett, Duchesne, and Uintah Counties, stands out as each county has only one court, collectively amounting to a workload of approximately 1.3 judges.

This detailed analysis underscores the varying demands placed on the judicial system across the state, revealing both the challenges and efficiencies present in court operations. The meeting concluded with a call for continued assessment of judicial resources to ensure equitable access to justice for all residents.