Utah Code Jud. Admin. 6-304

As amended through October 28, 2024

Rule 6-304 - Grand jury panel

Intent:

To establish a procedure for appointing district court judges to the statutory panel authorized to convene a grand jury.

To establish the responsibility of the court administrator to provide staff support to the panel.

To establish a procedure for providing public notice of panel hearings.

Applicability:

This rule shall apply to the Council, the Administrative Office, the Board of District Court Judges and the statutory panel.

Statement of the Rule:

(1)Appointment. The presiding officer of the Council shall appoint a panel of five district court judges in accordance with Utah Code Ann. Section 77-10a-2 to hear information which may justify the calling of a grand jury. The presiding officer shall designate one member of the panel to serve as the supervising judge.

(2)Members. The panel shall consist of:

(2)(A) one member from the first or second district;

(2)(B) two members from the third district;

(2)(C) one member from the fourth district; and

(2)(D) one member from the fifth, sixth, seventh, or eighth district.

(3)Terms. Panel members will be appointed to serve five-year terms. No member may serve more than two consecutive terms. Panel judges who retire during their term may continue to serve the remainder of that term as an active senior judge but may not serve a second term.

(4)Vacancies. As vacancies occur or terms expire on the panel, the Board shall recommend to the presiding officer of the Council a judge to fill the unexpired portion of the term or to serve a new term.

(5)Secretariat. The Court Administrator shall designate a staff member to serve as secretariat to the panel and to coordinate scheduling, budget and other administrative activities.

(6)Schedule. The Administrative Office, at the direction of the panel, shall annually publish a schedule which provides for a panel hearing in each judicial district every three years.

(7)Public notice. Thirty days prior to the hearing, the panel shall give public notice of the hearing.

(8)Procedures. The panel shall develop necessary procedures for its operation in accordance with Utah Code.

Utah Code Jud. Admin. 6-304

Amended June 27, 2024, effective 11/1/2024.