Trent Dee Nelson

Judge Nelson fails to meet the minimum performance standards for legal ability, integrity and judicial temperament, and procedural fairness.

Survey Respondent Recommendation: 43% of survey respondents recommend Judge Nelson for retention, which is well below his justice court peers.

Performance Measures: Survey scores are analyzed for statistical significance to determine if the judge scored well above, above, consistent with, below, or well below their justice court peers.

Well below peers: Legal Ability, Integrity & Judicial Temperament, Administrative Skills, Procedural Fairness

Respondent and Observer Feedback: Many respondents express strong concerns about Judge Nelson, but the courtroom observers are positive. Survey results show problems with his temperament, and several survey comments describe him as impatient, demeaning, and harsh in tone. As one respondent puts it, the judge “indulges in extreme rhetoric and lecturing.” Several respondents criticize his lack of impartiality and say that he is temperamental. Survey results also point out that respondents have little confidence in his legal skills and his ability to promote trust and confidence. A few respondents describe the judge as fair and passionate, and they, along with observers, say that he holds defendants accountable. Observers appreciate the judge’s professionalism and consistency, and all four report confidence that they would be treated fairly if they were to appear in Judge Nelson’s court.

I respect the evaluation process and I’m happy to receive feedback. It has helped me grow as a judge and person. Independent Court Observers were universally positive about my courtroom abilities. They unanimously find me to be professional and consistent, and reported with confidence that they would be treated fairly in my courtroom. Judicial philosophy: Once there’s a guilty finding, the focus turns to solving problems and addressing patterns of unsafe behavior. I invite you to form your own opinion by observing me in court in person or virtually.

Schedule/Links:

https://www.royutah.gov/departments/justice_court/court_sessions.php

https://legacy.utcourts.gov/cal/search.php?t=c&d=today&loc=2928J

After your observations, I’d sincerely appreciate your support.

Judge Trent Nelson was appointed to the Roy/Weber County Justice Court in February 2017, serving the communities of Roy City, unincorporated Weber County, West Haven City, and Hooper City. He and his wife have six children. Judge Nelson is a trained domestic mediator and has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Weber State University, a law degree from Brigham Young University, and an MBA from Utah State University. Prior to the bench, he was the prosecutor for Roy City, and had a private practice focused on juvenile law, family law, and estate planning, frequently serving as a Guardian ad Litem. He has been a member of the Utah Supreme Court’s Advisory Committee for Rules of Professional Conduct for over fifteen years. He has also served on Utah’s Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee, the Special Education Panel for the Utah Department of Education, DCFS’ Child Welfare Improvement Council, and as a member of Weber County’s committees on Disproportionate Minority Contact and Juvenile Substance Abuse Prevention.