Senate Consents to Troy Little as Fifth District Juvenile Court Judge

The Utah State Senate on March 5 consented to Governor Gary Herbert’s appointment of Troy Little to serve as a judge of the Fifth District Juvenile Court.

Todd Wyler, chair of the Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee, told the chamber the committee unanimously recommended Little after reviewing his record. Wyler summarized Little’s background, saying Little earned his law degree from the S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah and also holds a master’s degree in public administration and a nursing degree from the University of Utah. Wyler noted Little has been chief deputy at the Iron County Attorney’s Office since 2003 and taught as an adjunct at Southern Utah University.

The clerk recorded 24 yeas, 0 nays and five senators absent on the consent vote; the presiding officer announced the Senate had consented to the appointment.

Little addressed the Senate and introduced family members in the gallery. “I am humbled and honored to be appointed by Governor Herbert to serve as the Fifth District juvenile court judge,” Little said. He told senators he has “a special interest in the welfare, protection, and success of our children,” and pledged to “follow the law” and perform his duties “with integrity, fairness, and compassion.”

The governor’s letter transmitting the nomination cited Article VIII, Section 8 of the Utah Constitution and Utah Code § 78A-10-101 as the authority for the appointment. The Judicial Confirmation Committee report accompanying the nomination was signed by Committee Chair Todd Wyler.

Next steps: With Senate consent, Little’s appointment will be finalized following the chamber’s enrollment and signature process.