78A-7-201. Justice court judge eligibility -- Mandatory retirement.
(1) A justice court judge shall be: a citizen of the United States; 25 years old or older; a resident of Utah for at least three years immediately preceding the judge's appointment; upon appointment or within a reasonable time after appointment, a resident of the county, an adjacent county, or the judicial district in which the justice court is located; and a qualified voter of the county in which the judge resides.
(2) On and after May 3, 2023, a justice court judge shall have a degree from a law school that makes one eligible to apply for admission to a bar in any state. A justice court judge holding office on May 3, 2023, who does not meet the qualification described in Subsectionmay continue in office until the judge resigns, retires, is not retained in a retention election, or is removed from office. (2)(a)
(3) Notwithstanding Subsection, a justice court judge is not required to be admitted to practice law in the state as a qualification to hold office. (2)
(4) A justice court judge shall be a person who has demonstrated maturity of judgment, integrity, and the ability to understand and apply appropriate law with impartiality.
(5) A justice court judge shall retire upon attaining the age of 75 years.
(6) If there are not at least two applicants for a justice court judge position who meet the requirement of Subsection, the justice court nominating commission may: (2)(a) re-advertise the position; and accept applications from individuals who do not meet the requirement of Subsection. (2)(a)