Appointed in 1996, Judge Kevin Christensen scores consistent with the average of his justice court peers in all survey categories. Survey respondents describe him as a fair and impartial judge who gives people a full opportunity to speak, listens carefully, and treats people well. From a list, respondents choose 92% positive adjectives to describe him, emphasizing his consistency, legal knowledge, and polite manner. Courtroom observers all feel they would receive a fair hearing from him. They emphasize his excellent judicial demeanor and his apparent concern for the future of each defendant appearing before him. Of survey respondents answering the retention question, 91% recommend that Judge Christensen be retained. As required by statute, the Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission notes that Judge Christensen received a censure from the Utah Supreme Court in 2013 for allowing his justice court salary to exceed a statutory cap. He has since paid back the excess, and the commission is satisfied with the outcome. The commission believes the matter should have no influence on the retention decision.
The commission reviewed surveys and courtroom observation reports in addition to verifying that Judge Christensen has met all time standards, judicial education requirements, and discipline standards established by the judicial branch.
Judge Kevin R. Christensen was appointed to the Box Elder County Justice Court in May 1996. He serves Box Elder County, Tremonton City, Brigham City, Garland City, and Willard City. Judge Christensen is a graduate of Weber State University and the Gonzaga University School of Law. He was in private practice before being appointed to the bench. In addition to his judicial and family duties, Judge Christensen often speaks to various youth and civic groups about the structure and function of the court system. In 2006, Judge Christensen received the Scott M. Matheson Award for outstanding service to law-related education.