Governor Cox Appoints Matthew B. Janzen to District Court
The appointment aims to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Judge Robert Faust on the Third District Court bench.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in People
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Governor Spencer Cox has appointed Matthew B. Janzen to serve as a judge on Utah's Third District Court. The appointment is currently awaiting confirmation by the Utah Senate.
Why it matters
This judicial appointment fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Robert Faust, ensuring the continued operation of the Third District Court. It marks a significant transition in the bench, pending legislative review.
Matthew B. Janzen brings over 12 years of experience from the Salt Lake District Attorney's Office and 15 years of service on the Children's Justice Centers advisory board. His legal background also includes private practice work and time as a city prosecutor.
The players
Spencer Cox
He is the Governor of Utah who holds the authority to nominate candidates for judicial vacancies.
Matthew B. Janzen
He is an attorney currently serving as division chief of the Special Victims Unit and deputy county attorney in Davis County.
Robert Faust
He is a retired judge whose departure from the Third District Court created the current judicial vacancy.
The details
Janzen currently serves as the division chief of the Special Victims Unit and deputy county attorney in Davis County. He holds a law degree from the University of Utah's S.J. Quinney College of Law and a bachelor's degree in economics from the same institution.
Timeline
October 23, 2026: Governor Cox announced the judicial appointment.
2011: Matthew B. Janzen was named Outstanding Professional of the Year by the Salt Lake Children's Justice Centers.
Market Landscape
The appointment follows the standard procedure mandated by the Utah Constitution's judicial selection process for filling court vacancies. This transition ensures continuity in the state's third district while shifting the professional composition of the local judiciary.
The transition in the Third District Court may affect the scheduling and processing of legal cases handled by the court. Residents and legal professionals awaiting trial dates should monitor official court updates for changes resulting from the transition.
The takeaway
Judicial appointments like this highlight the ongoing transition of legal leadership within the state court system. Ensuring that appointees have relevant experience in roles like the Special Victims Unit remains a priority for the governor's office.
What happens next
The Utah Senate must hold a confirmation hearing to formally approve the appointment of Matthew B. Janzen to the bench.
Further reading
For more background on state leadership and appointments, visit the Utah People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Gephardt Daily.
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