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Matthew B. Durrant — sworn in Monday as the new chief justice of the Utah Supreme Court — said he is committed to making the courts a place where decisions are made based only on "the law and the facts."
"It's a sacred charge to be a judge," Durrant said. "People come to court at some of the most critical junctures in their lives. Their fortune, future —and some times their freedom — is at stake. They deserve a place where a decision can be made without bias. ... That is my commitment."
The oath of office was administered to Durrant in the Utah Supreme Courtroom at the Scott M. Matheson Courthouse by Christine M. Durham, who has served as chief justice for the past 10 years.
"He's as ready as he can be — without knowing where all the bodies are buried — to step into a position of leadership," Durham said.
As chief justice, Durrant will head the state's judiciary, which includes leading the council that makes policy for the courts, and acting as the liaison between the courts and other branches of government.
Durrant was described throughout Monday's ceremony as a man of great intellect and ability.
"Matt solves problems rather than creates them," U.S. District Judge Dale Kimball said.
Robert Clark, a partner at Durrant's old firm of Parr Brown Gee & Loveless, called the new chief a family man and "a shining example of the kind of character we would all want at the head of our judiciary."
Durrant was appointed to the state's high court in January 2000, at which time he was serving as a 3rd District Court trial judge. He graduated from Brigham Young University and earned his law degree from Harvard Law School.
He will officially begin his term as chief justice April 1. Justice Ronald E. Nehring will become the associate chief justice.
The justices elect a chief justice by majority vote to serve for four years, and an associate chief justice to serve for two years.
Durham announced she was stepping down during her annual State of the Judiciary address at the Legislature in January.
"It is time ... for new leadership," she said, adding that Durrant is "blessed with great ability, a great intellect, and a great sense of humor. I know that he will provide superb leadership in the years to come."
Durham became, in 1982, the first woman to serve on the Utah Supreme Court. She is the second-longest serving chief justice in Utah's history. Gordon R. Hall served for 10 years and two months in 1983 and 1993, while Durham served exactly 10 years.
Although Durham is stepping down from the leadership post, she is staying on the court.