Appointed in 2016, Judge Matthew Bates’ scores are statistically above the average of his district court peers on legal ability and consistent with his peers on all other scored minimum performance standards. Ninety-three percent of survey respondents recommend him for retention. Respondents and courtroom observers say that the judge displays fairness through his courteous personality and willingness to allow all parties to express themselves. They appreciate the judge’s evenhandedness and thoughtfulness. All court observers report confidence that they would be treated fairly if they were to appear in Judge Bates’ 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.
Matthew Bates was appointed to the Utah Third District Court by Governor Gary R. Herbert in July 2016. Judge Bates graduated cum laude in 2003 from the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University. Prior to his appointment, he was the Chief Prosecutor in the Summit County Attorney’s Office. Judge Bates also served as an Assistant Attorney General and a Deputy Salt Lake County District Attorney. He has argued dozens of criminal cases to the Utah Court of Appeals and the Utah Supreme Court, litigated civil rights cases in state and federal court, and prosecuted felony criminal cases in Salt Lake and Summit counties. Throughout his career, he has served in many capacities to improve the judiciary and the practice of law, including on the Utah Supreme Court’s Advisory Committee on the Rules of Evidence, the Board of the Utah Journal of Criminal Law, and the Utah Prosecution Council. Judge Bates is also a regular presenter at conferences for lawyers and judges in Utah and elsewhere.