Appointed in 2005, Judge John Walton’s scores are consistent with the average of his district court peers on all scored minimum performance standards. Ninety percent of survey respondents recommend him for retention. Survey ratings of judicial attributes indicate Judge Walton is particularly capable and knowledgeable. Respondents and courtroom observers, alike, find the judge to be thoughtful, one who “diligently weighs the legal issues pertaining to each case.” They say that the judge enhances confidence in the judiciary through his efficiency and timeliness. All court observers report confidence that they would be treated fairly if they were to appear in Judge Walton’s court. This judge meets discipline standards set by statute and has been certified by the Judicial Council as meeting all time standards, education requirements, and mental and physical competence standards.
Judge John J. Walton was appointed to the Fifth District Court in 2005 by Gov. Jon M. Huntsman, Jr. Judge Walton graduated from Utah State University in 1990 and the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University in 1993. Before his appointment to the bench, Judge Walton served as a Deputy Washington County Attorney, where he prosecuted felony offenses. Prior to this, he was a shareholder with Jones Waldo Holbrook & McDonough, where his practice focused on civil litigation and representation of government entities. Judge Walton has presided over the Iron County Drug Court, the Iron County Mental Health Court, and the Washington County Mental Health Court. He has served as the presiding judge of the Fifth District Court, on the Court’s Committee on Children and Families, and as a member of the Utah Judicial Council.