Utah Senate Unanimously Consents to Paige Peterson for Third District Court

The Utah Senate on April 17, 2015, consented to Gov. Gary R. Herbert’s appointment of Paige Peterson to the Third District Court, approving the nomination 24-0 with five senators absent.

The action followed a written communication from the governor and a unanimous recommendation from the Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee. Committee Chair Sen. Scott Jenkins highlighted Peterson’s atypically early rise to the bench and cited her international experience, including work at The Hague on war-crimes matters in Serbia and Croatia. "We found her to be well qualified," Jenkins said during the committee report and motion to consent.

Sen. Dayton offered a personal explanation for his yes vote, noting a long acquaintance with Peterson. "I have known Paige for a long time since she was in junior high probably... She is a high achiever," Dayton said, adding that Peterson’s background and accomplishments prompted his endorsement.

After Jenkins moved the consent and the Senate took a roll call, President Niederhauser announced the tally: 24 yes votes, zero no votes, and five absent. The motion to consent was recorded as approved.

Following the confirmation, the Senate resolved into a Committee of the Whole to hear from Judge Paige Peterson. In remarks to the chamber, Peterson introduced family members and friends who attended and thanked Gov. Herbert, nominating commission members and committee members for their work. She said she takes the role seriously and pledged to perform her duties impartially. "It’s a public trust to be a judge... I will work hard, I will be diligent, and I promise to follow the law and do it impartially and with fairness and integrity," Peterson said.

The Senate returned to its regular order and adjourned after the brief post-confirmation proceedings. No amendments or conditions to the appointment were recorded in the session minutes.