Appointed in 2016, Judge Craig Bunnell’s scores are consistent with his juvenile court peers on all scored minimum performance standards. Ninety-six percent of survey respondents recommend him for retention. Respondents comment that the judge listens to all parties and maintains a level playing field in the courtroom for all. Most of all, they find this judge is fair-minded and someone who takes his role very seriously. In particular, survey ratings of judicial attributes indicate Judge Bunnell is ethical and characterize him as notably respectful. All court observers laud the judge’s favorable demeanor and report confidence that they would be treated fairly if they were to appear in Judge Bunnell’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.
Craig M. Bunnell was appointed by Governor Gary R. Herbert to serve as a juvenile court judge for the Seventh Judicial District in July 2016. Along with handling child welfare and juvenile justice matters, he also oversees the child welfare Family Treatment Court for Carbon and Emery Counties. Judge Bunnell received his A.S. degree from the College of Eastern Utah (’81), B.S. and M.S. degrees from Brigham Young University (’84 and ’86), and J.D. degree from the University of Utah (’89). Prior to his appointment, Judge Bunnell practiced law primarily in Eastern Utah, Salt Lake City, and Washington County, with the majority of his service spent with the Utah Office of Guardian ad Litem. Judge Bunnell is certified as a child welfare law specialist by the National Association of Counsel for Children. Currently, he serves on the Utah Board of Juvenile Court Judges and several other court-system committees.