An experienced judge, Judge W. Paul Thompson scores consistent with the average of his justice court peers in all survey categories. Survey respondents choose 92% positive words from a list to describe Judge Thompson, characterizing him as calm and considerate. Some respondents and courtroom observers criticize him for delays in starting court. Observers view Judge Thompson as patient and unbiased, listening to and communicating well with those appearing in his court. All observers report that they would feel comfortable appearing before him. Of 28 survey respondents answering the retention question, 24 (86%) recommend that Judge Thompson be retained.
The commission reviewed surveys and courtroom observation reports in addition to verifying that Judge Thompson has met all time standards, judicial education requirements, and discipline standards established by the judicial branch.
Judge Paul Thompson was appointed to the Murray City Justice Court in 2008.
Having served earlier in the South Salt Lake justice court, he has been an active senior judge since 1992, serving in several local jurisdictions. Judge Thompson earned a law degree from the J. Reuben Clark Law School at BYU in 1976. He served as mayor of Sandy City from 1978 to 1982, and is a former city attorney for South Salt Lake, Alta, and South Jordan. Judge Thompson chaired the Salt Lake County Council of Governments, and was a member of the Wasatch Front Regional Council and trustee of the Salt Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau. He was also the founding chairman of the Third Judicial District Victim’s Rights Committee.