US EditionUtah’s chief justice speaks out as Republicans look to expand the state Supreme Court
Republican leaders back expanding Utah Supreme Court from five to seven justices to improve efficiency despite concerns of political motives and judicial tension, with $2.8 million budgeted.
- Utah's Chief Justice Matthew Durrant cautioned lawmakers against expanding the state Supreme Court, saying it could penalize constituents.
- Republican legislative leaders and Gov. Spencer Cox support adding two justices to the five-judge panel to speed up decision-making, but legal experts warn it could have the opposite effect.
- The move comes amid tension between the legislative and judicial branches over rulings on abortion, transgender athletes, and redistricting that impacted Republicans.
17 Articles
17 Articles
Lawmakers advance bill to expand Utah Supreme Court — and add 3 district court judges
Sen. Chris Wilson, R-Logan, speaks during a media availability with senate leadership at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on the first day of the legislative session, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)While Utah judicial leaders have been telling lawmakers the district courts have the greatest need for additional funding in order to address heavy workloads, legislators advanced a bill Thursday that would give ro…
Chief justice says disagreement is healthy, but wants lawmakers to stop disparaging Utah’s courts
As Republican legislators gear up for a sweeping overhaul of Utah’s judiciary, the state’s chief justice, Matthew Durrant, pleaded with lawmakers to refrain from personal attacks on individual judges and extend some grace to the institution of the courts.
Associated Press News
Utah's chief justice speaks out as Republicans look to expand the state Supreme Court
Utah's Republican legislative leaders and Gov. Spencer Cox are saying they support a proposal to expand the state Supreme Court's five-judge panel to seven.
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