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Senate confirms four judges in fourth special session; new judges address chamber
Summary
In a November special session at the Utah State Capitol the Senate consented to four judicial appointments announced by Gov. Gary R. Herbert. The chamber received speeches from the newly confirmed judges, who pledged impartiality and public‑service commitments.
The Utah State Senate on Nov. 14 convened a fourth special session and consented to a slate of judicial appointments from Gov. Gary R. Herbert, confirming multiple nominees to district and juvenile courts.
The chamber unanimously or near‑unanimously approved the governor's nominees, with roll‑call tallies recorded on the floor. The clerk recorded 25 ayes and 0 nays on the confirmation of Robert Neal to the Second District Juvenile Court; other confirmations were recorded as 24–0 (with five absent) for Craig Powell and similar unanimous committee recommendations for additional nominees. Senators moved and voted to consent to each appointment during the session.
Why it matters: Senate consent places judges on the bench without contested retention elections and is the primary legislative check on the governor's judicial nominations. The new judges will begin performing judicial duties in their assigned districts once administrative steps are completed.
The confirmed judges addressed the Senate after a Committee of the Whole was convened so each could speak. Speaking after his confirmation, Robert Neal thanked the judiciary nominating commission, the Senate Judiciary Committee and his family and pledged to treat the bench as an impartial forum: "Umpires don't make the rules. Umpires apply them," Neal said, adding he intends to be independent, fair and competent for children and families in the juvenile court.
Craig Powell, a former legislator, said he was humbled by the appointment and emphasized the distinction between legislative and judicial roles, promising to "apply the law as it is written" and to avoid partisan appearance while on the bench. Anthony Howell, who described a career as a public defender, thanked the governor and the committee and pledged to serve the Fourth Judicial District. Another newly confirmed judge offered brief remarks thanking family and colleagues.
Senators on the floor praised the nominees' records and the Judiciary Committee's vetting process. Senator Jenkins (committee chair) noted unanimous committee recommendations for several nominees and moved consent on the floor.
The Senate then dissolved the Committee of the Whole and returned to regular business. The confirmations will be followed by routine administrative steps to place the judges on the bench.
The Senate's recorded votes and the motions to consent were taken on the floor and entered in the journal; the chamber congratulated the confirmed judges before moving to consider bills transmitted from the House.
