Utah judiciary to hold town hall aimed at ‘strengthening public trust’ in the courts

The Scott Matheson Courthouse in Salt Lake City is pictured on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)

The Utah judiciary is holding a town hall at the Matheson Courthouse in Salt Lake City on Wednesday at 6 p.m. as part of an effort to strengthen Utahns’ trust, access and understanding of the state’s court system. 

The town hall is part of a statewide initiative called Court Connect, which is “aimed at strengthening public trust in the courts, expanding access to justice, and increasing awareness of court resources and services,” according to a news release judiciary officials issued Monday.

“This free, public event offers community members a chance to engage directly with Judiciary representatives in an informal, welcoming setting,” the release said. 

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The town hall comes ahead of a legislative session set to begin next week, during which the Republican-controlled Utah Legislature is expected to debate a slew of bills aimed at the judiciary, including one to expand the Utah Supreme Court. Tensions between the judiciary and lawmakers are high after a series of court rulings that have upset lawmakers, especially regarding redistricting and the Legislature’s ability to change voter-approved ballot initiatives. 

The Court Connect town halls are meant to “open doors and build stronger connections between the courts and the communities they serve,” judiciary officials said. “They offer the public an opportunity to learn more about the role of the Judiciary, how the courts operate, and how the judicial branch fits into the broader system of government.”

During the town hall, attendees can learn about the role of the courts in Utah’s justice system, ask questions and interface directly with judiciary representatives, and meet with judges and other court personnel in a less formal setting, outside the courtroom. 

Attendees can also learn how to access justice services, including self-help resources, online filing systems, and court resources that are available in their communities. 

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