Governor Spencer J. Cox has appointed Matthew B. Janzen to the Third District Court, filling a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Robert Faust, according to announcements from the Governor's office and the Utah State Bar on October 23, 2026. The appointment remains subject to confirmation by the Utah Senate.
Senate Seeks Public Input
The Utah Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee is currently seeking public comment regarding Janzen's nomination, the Utah Senate announced on October 23, 2026. The committee plans to hold a public hearing before issuing a recommendation to the full Senate.
Comment Deadline and Procedures
Individuals wishing to provide testimony or comments must contact the Utah Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee within the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 6, 2026. The Utah Senate specified that all statements must include the individual's name, telephone number, and mailing address. Electronic comments may be submitted via email to senatejudicialnominees@le.utah.gov, while written comments can be sent to the committee at 450 N State Street, 405 North Capitol Building, Salt Lake City, UT 84114.
Governor Praises Janzen's Experience
In a statement released October 23, 2026, Governor Cox expressed confidence in Janzen's ability to serve on the bench. "Matthew brings decades of legal experience and a deep commitment to public service," Cox said. He added that Janzen has spent much of his career handling some of the most difficult cases in the justice system and stated he is confident Janzen will bring fairness, integrity, and sound judgment to the court.
Professional Background and Career
Janzen currently serves as the division chief of the Special Victims Unit and as a deputy county attorney in the Davis County Attorney’s Office, where his work involves overseeing the prosecution of serious felony cases. His professional background includes more than 12 years with the Salt Lake District Attorney’s Office, where he handled cases involving homicide, gangs, and special victims.
Commitment to Public Service
Prior to his current role in Davis County, Janzen worked in private practice at Snow Nuffer and Smart, Schofield, Shorter & Lunceford. He also served as a city prosecutor and assistant city attorney for South Salt Lake. Janzen's commitment to child advocacy includes 15 years of service on the Utah State Advisory Board for the Children’s Justice Centers, an organization that recognized him as the Outstanding Professional of the Year in 2011.
Janzen Responds to Appointment
Janzen, an alumnus of the University of Utah, holds a bachelor's degree in economics, earned magna cum laude, and a law degree from the S.J. Quinney College of Law. Following the announcement of his appointment, Janzen said he felt "deeply humbled and honored" by the trust placed in him by the Governor. He stated that if confirmed, he would strive to uphold the rule of law and the Constitutions of the United States and the State of Utah while treating all individuals with dignity, fairness, and respect.
Committee Oversight
The Utah Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee, which will oversee the nomination, is composed of several members, including Chair Sen. Todd D. Weiler. Other members of the committee include Sen. Kirk A. Cullimore, Sen. Don L. Ipson, Sen. Karen Kwan, Sen. Daniel McCay, Sen. Stephanie Pitcher, and Sen. Brady Brammer.
