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Utah Senate unanimously confirms Elizabeth Knight as Third District juvenile court judge
Summary
The Utah State Senate, meeting in its fifth extraordinary session in July 2015, unanimously consented to Governor Gary R. Herbert’s appointment of Elizabeth Knight to the Third District Juvenile Court and approved a slate of other gubernatorial appointments after waiving a 15-day notice requirement.
The Utah State Senate on the fifth extraordinary day of the 60th legislature consented to Governor Gary R. Herbert’s appointment of Elizabeth Knight to the Third District Juvenile Court, voting 19–0 with 10 senators absent.
Senate President announced the results after a roll-call vote following a unanimous favorable recommendation from the Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee. Senator Scott Jenkins, reporting the committee’s recommendation, moved that the Senate concur with the governor’s appointment.
“I'm overwhelmed with gratitude,” Elizabeth Knight told senators after her confirmation. She thanked colleagues, family and supporters, said she is “humbled to be confirmed,” and affirmed her commitment to children and families, restorative justice and issuing “orders that are clear, understandable, and easy to follow.”
Senators who spoke in support highlighted Knight’s work in the Guardian ad Litem office and her advocacy for child welfare matters. Senator Christensen said Knight had repeatedly pushed for parity for Guardian ad Litem attorneys and called her confirmation “a gain for the courts.” Senator Harper said he had worked with Knight extensively and expressed “great respect” for her service.
The Senate also agreed to waive the standard 15-day notification requirement so it could consider appointments to the Utah State Board of Education and the Board of Tourism Development during the extraordinary session. After the waiver, the body took up a broader package of gubernatorial nominations read into the record by the Secretary of the Senate.
Senator Weiler moved that the Senate consent to the full list of appointments transmitted by the governor. On a roll-call vote, the President announced the motion carried with 19 aye votes, 0 nay votes, and 10 absent.
Votes at a glance - Elizabeth Knight — Third District Juvenile Court: Consent motion approved, 19–0, 10 absent. - Additional gubernatorial appointments (read into the record and consented as a package): Motion approved, 19–0, 10 absent. (The Secretary read multiple appointments and reappointments across boards and commissions, including the Utah State Board of Education and the Board of Tourism Development; details were read into the record.)
The Senate resolved into a Committee of the Whole so Judge Knight could address the body, and she spoke about keeping families together when possible and the importance of accountability coupled with compassion. The Senate then concluded its business and adjourned.
