Governor Spencer Cox appoints John Luthy to Utah Court of Appeals

In a significant move for Utah's judicial system, Governor Spencer J. Cox announced the appointment of John Luthy as a judge on the Utah Court of Appeals during the 13th Extraordinary Session held on October 19, 2022. This appointment comes at a crucial time, as the court has been operating with only five judges since August due to previous vacancies on the Utah Supreme Court.

Senator Weiler, who played a key role in the confirmation process, expressed concerns about the governor's earlier decisions to fill Supreme Court vacancies with judges from the Court of Appeals, which created additional gaps that needed to be addressed. However, he praised the swift confirmation of Luthy, noting that it was one of the fastest appointments in recent history, completed in just over two weeks.

Luthy, a Cache Valley native, has a robust legal background, having practiced law since 2003 and serving as the Cache County Attorney. His experience includes both civil and criminal law, making him a well-rounded candidate for the appellate court. He has also clerked for notable judges, including Judge Gregory Orm, who expressed enthusiasm about Luthy’s return to the court.

The Senate confirmed Luthy with a unanimous vote of 25-0, with four members absent. This overwhelming support reflects confidence in Luthy’s qualifications and readiness to contribute to the court. Following the confirmation, Luthy expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve, highlighting his commitment to the people of Utah.

This appointment not only fills a critical vacancy but also underscores the ongoing efforts to maintain a fully staffed judiciary in Utah, ensuring that the court can effectively handle its caseload. As Luthy steps into his new role, the implications of his appointment will be closely watched, particularly in how he navigates the complexities of appellate law and contributes to the court's decisions moving forward.