Utah Courts

Speaking to the Utah State Bar, Justice Petersen reviewed the just-finished 2026 legislative session and defended judicial independence.

Kouri Richins, the author of a children’s book on grief, was convicted of the 2022 murder of Eric Richins at their Utah home. She was also found guilty of attempted aggravated murder, forgery and two counts of insurance fraud.

The big debate in this case continues to be media access and what’s available publicly. In April, the defense will make its case that cameras should be banned from the courtroom.

The complaint lists seven individuals, including so-called peacekeeper Matthew Alder. Laura Ah Loo’s attorneys say they were reckless and helped create a “perfect storm of negligence” that ended in her husband’s death.

Utah's legislative session is 45 days long, and lawmakers are in the final day's sprint to beat the midnight deadline. Lawmakers got most of their promised court reforms — but were they able to get the rest of their priorities?

Tyler Robinson’s defense argued that the prosecuting team had a conflict of interest and should be kicked off the case. Judge Tony Graf said there was no evidence to support that.

The proposed bill would make it free and easy for the public to access more court documents and stream most hearings. Some lawyers worry about what this means for the people going before the courts.

It’s not a new immigration enforcement tactic for the Trump admin, but a string of recent activity inside Salt Lake City’s courthouse has alarmed public defenders.

Utah lawmakers are considering a bill with a provision to let judges transfer certain juvenile offenders to adult prisons. The proposal has sparked sharp debate among attorneys, advocates, and those who’ve witnessed the dangers young people face behind bars.

The 18-year-old daughter of one of the Utah County prosecutors working the case was at the UVU event where Charlie Kirk was killed. The daughter said she’s “totally fine” now, but the defense argues it muddies the decision to seek the death penalty.

“The merit-based process of judicial selection, of wanting the very best and the most competent judges on the bench, is something that needs to be fought for, and it needs to be protected,” said Bar President Kim Cordova.

In addition to adding two justices to the state’s highest court, the law also adds judges to the Utah Court of Appeals and three of the state’s eight district courts.