Appointed in 2014, Judge Joseph M. Bean’s scores are statistically above his district court peers on procedural fairness and consistent with his peers on all other scored minimum performance standards. Ninety-eight percent of survey respondents recommend Judge Bean for retention. Survey respondents and courtroom observers laud Judge Bean’s preparedness and impartiality. They report he consistently treats participants with respect and gives all parties ample time to make their positions clear. Observers of his drug court are impressed that Judge Bean skillfully engages participants to help them recognize problem behaviors and actively participate in their solution. He is firm about positive and negative consequences, while also offering heartfelt encouragement with comments such as, “You can do it!” When rating judicial attributes, respondents characterize Judge Bean as notably patient, decisive, and prepared. 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 Joseph M. Bean was appointed to the Second District Court in March 2014 by Governor Gary R. Herbert. He serves Davis, Morgan, and Weber counties. Prior to his appointment, Judge Bean served as a Justice Court judge for Syracuse City for twenty years while also serving as managing partner for Bean & Micken, P.C., in Layton, Utah. In addition to his regular duties, Judge Bean serves as the Drug Court judge for Weber County. Judge Bean received a B.S. in Political Science from the University of Utah in 1986 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Utah College of Law in 1989.