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Utah Senate unanimously confirms five judicial nominees in extraordinary session
Summary
In an extraordinary session Sept. 15, 2010, the Utah Senate consented to five gubernatorial judicial appointments — each receiving unanimous support of those present — and waived a 15‑day notice requirement to act on additional executive nominations.
The Utah State Senate convened in an extraordinary session on Sept. 15, 2010, and consented to five judicial nominations sent by Gov. Gary R. Herbert, the Senate president announced. Each confirmation was approved by roll call with 27 senators voting in favor and two absent.
The confirmations came after a favorable report from the Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee, chaired by Sen. Scott K. Jenkins. Senator Hilliard moved consent for each nominee and the Senate proceeded with roll-call votes. The judges confirmed were David R. Hamilton to the Second District Court; Michelle E. Heward to the Second District Juvenile Court; Noel S. Hyde to the Second District Court; Jeffrey J. Noland to the Second District Juvenile Court; and Carla Staley to the Fifth District Juvenile Court.
The confirmations were routine and largely ceremonial on the floor but followed the committee vetting process. Jenkins told the Senate his committee had met and reported favorable recommendations for each nominee. On the floor, the Senate recorded 27 affirmative votes and two absences for the confirmations of Hamilton, Heward, Hyde and Noland; the roll calls for Staley and the other nominees similarly recorded unanimous support of those present.
The nominees addressed the Senate in a Committee of the Whole after confirmation. Michelle E. Heward introduced family members and described a professional background that included work as a prosecutor with the Weber County Attorney's Office, teaching at Weber State University and service as a Riverdale Justice Court judge; she pledged to "listen carefully and show respect to everyone that comes in front of me." Carla Staley recounted years as a prosecutor and as a guardian ad litem representing abused or neglected children and said adopting two sons shaped her commitment to juvenile-court work. David R. Hamilton told senators he would "follow the law" and avoid judicial activism while treating all in his courtroom with respect. Noel S. Hyde thanked senators for the opportunity to serve and emphasized respect for the rule of law. Jeffrey J. Noland said he would apply child-welfare timelines and balance accountability and mercy in juvenile cases.
The Senate also voted to waive a statutory 15‑day waiting requirement, by unanimous consent of those present, to act on additional communications from the governor. Following that waiver, the Senate consented to other gubernatorial appointments read on the floor.
The extraordinary session concluded after brief announcements and a motion to adjourn. The confirmed judges will take up their judicial duties in the districts named by the governor and as described in the communications transmitted to the Senate.
