Gov. Spencer Cox Appoints Two New Utah Supreme Court Justices

Court Vacancies and New Appointees

The appointments fill vacancies left by retiring Chief Justice Matthew Durrant and former Justice Diana Hagen, who stepped down in May following the public release of a dismissed misconduct complaint, as reported by the Utah News Dispatch. Durrant spent more than 25 years on the state’s high court, including 14 years as chief justice. Governor Cox called Durrant a towering figure in Utah’s legal community, stating that filling his shoes is an understatement.

Bell currently serves as the presiding judge for the 5th District, which covers Washington, Iron, and Beaver counties. His background includes working as an assistant U.S. attorney, a trial attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice’s antitrust division, and starting his career as a corrections officer and police officer, according to the governor’s office remarks reported by the Utah News Dispatch. Menssen specializes in complex commercial and labor law and has worked with groups expanding legal aid for low-income Utahns.

Judicial Philosophy and Legislative Expansion

During the press conference at the Utah Capitol, Governor Cox emphasized that originalism is very important to him and his appointees, defining it as the judicial philosophy focused on the text of the Constitution and its original meaning intended by the Founding Fathers. Cox stated that there is no place for judicial activism in the system and that individuals wishing to make laws should find another job, as cited by the Utah News Dispatch.

Bell stated that taking the oath means applying the law faithfully and objectively as written rather than as desired. Menssen agreed, noting that determining what the law is requires a judge to remain open-minded and guided by neutral, objective decision-making, according to the Utah News Dispatch.

Earlier in the summer, Governor Cox appointed two lawyers to fill a two-seat expansion of the Supreme Court authorized by a new state law. That expansion followed a series of legal setbacks delivered to the Legislature by the court, including decisions in a redistricting lawsuit. Lawmakers who backed the expansion argued that growing the bench would help the court review cases more efficiently, according to the Utah News Dispatch. With all four open seats filled, Governor Cox will have appointed six out of the seven total justices on the Utah Supreme Court.

Selection of the Next Chief Justice

Under a 2025 measure signed into law by Governor Cox, the governor will appoint the new chief justice for the first time rather than leaving the selection to the justices themselves. Cox told reporters that he intends to take his time with the process to ensure the court is fully staffed before making a decision. He plans to consult each justice for their perspective and anticipates making an appointment within six to eight weeks, subject to approval by the Utah Senate, according to the Utah News Dispatch.