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Utah Senate confirms four judicial nominees, including Paige Peterson to the state Supreme Court
Summary
In an extraordinary Nov. 2017 session called by Gov. Gary R. Herbert, the Utah Senate gave advice and consent to four judicial appointments — including Paige Peterson to the Utah Supreme Court — by recorded roll-call votes. Senators praised nominees' records and the confirmation process; one senator noted concerns about court diversity.
The Utah State Senate, meeting in an extraordinary session called by Gov. Gary R. Herbert, on Nov. 2017 gave advice and consent to four judicial nominees, including Paige Peterson to the Utah Supreme Court, by recorded roll-call votes.
Senators voted 26–0 to confirm Paige Peterson to the Utah Supreme Court after the Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee reported a unanimous favorable recommendation. Senator Todd Wyler, committee chair, presented the report and moved the consent motion; several senators offered brief endorsements on the floor. "I am really concerned personally that we have diversity on the Supreme Court," Senator Hilliard said during remarks that acknowledged the importance of a varied bench.
The Senate also unanimously consented to three district-court appointments. The Senate recorded 26 ayes, 0 nays, for Linda Jones to the Third Judicial District Court after the committee reported its favorable recommendation and Wyler summarized her appellate and teaching background. Later in the session the body recorded 26 ayes, 0 nays for Amber Mettler to the Third District Court; senators noted her appellate-practice experience. The Senate likewise moved to consent to Patrick Coram's appointment to the Third District Court following a committee report describing his years as a felony trial attorney and service at the Salt Lake Legal Defenders Association.
Committee and floor remarks stressed the intensity of vetting for judicial nominees and praised the quality of candidates. Wyler told colleagues the confirmation committee spent many hours vetting nominees. Senator Dayton, who has personal ties to the Peterson family, recounted local connections and endorsed the Supreme Court nominee. Nominees who addressed the Senate thanked the governor and the committee and pledged to uphold the rule of law and serve the people of Utah.
Votes at a glance - Paige Peterson (Utah Supreme Court): motion to consent moved by Sen. Todd Wyler; vote 26 ayes, 0 nays, 3 absent — outcome: confirmed. - Linda Jones (Third District Court): vote 26 ayes, 0 nays — outcome: confirmed. - Amber Mettler (Third District Court): vote 26 ayes, 0 nays — outcome: confirmed. - Patrick Coram (Third District Court): recorded affirmative roll-call; motion passed — outcome: confirmed.
The extraordinary session record shows the confirmations proceeded without contested roll-call opposition. The Senate invited nominees' family members to the floor and the newly confirmed judges gave brief remarks of gratitude. The Senate then moved on to advice-and-consent votes on several other gubernatorial appointees before concluding its work for the session.
