Justice Stephen P. Dent took the oath of office as a member of the Utah Supreme Court on Sept. 10, 2026. The investiture ceremony took place in the Supreme Court chambers at the Scott M. Matheson Courthouse in Salt Lake City.
Associate Chief Justice Jill M. Pohlman administered the ceremonial oath of office. During the ceremony, Judge Scott M. Matheson, Jr. and Judge Robert J. Shelby spoke on behalf of Dent, for whom Dent had previously served as a law clerk.
Justice Dent stated that it is an honor to serve the people of Utah and expressed gratitude to Governor Cox for the nomination and the Senate for the confirmation. He noted his commitment to faithfully applying the law as an impartial judge.
Associate Chief Justice Pohlman said that Dent brings an exceptional legal mind, a deep respect for the rule of law, and a strong commitment to public service to the Court.
Governor Spencer J. Cox appointed Dent to the Utah Supreme Court in June 2026, and the Utah Senate unanimously confirmed the appointment. Dent was previously sworn in on June 22 and began his work on the court.
Before his appointment, Dent served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah, holding roles as Deputy Criminal Chief and Southern Utah Branch Chief. His legal career also included practicing at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP and serving as a judicial law clerk for the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.
Dent earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Brigham Young University. He also earned a law degree from the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law, where he graduated first in his class, received the Dean’s Award, and served as editor-in-chief of the Utah Law Review.
