Appointed in 2016, Judge Anthony Howell’s scores are statistically above the average of his district court peers on legal ability and administrative skills and consistent with his peers on all other scored minimum performance standards. Ninety-three percent of survey respondents recommend him for retention. Survey ratings of judicial attributes indicate Judge Howell is particularly attentive, capable, ethical, impartial, and open-minded. They also characterize him as notably patient. Respondents laud the judge for his kindness and ability to ensure a comfortable court environment, particularly for disadvantaged groups. One calls him a “judge of the people.” Along with courtroom observers, respondents describe the judge as competent and professional. All court observers report confidence that they would be treated fairly if they were to appear in Judge Howell’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 Anthony L. Howell was appointed to the Fourth District Court in December 2016 by Gov. Gary R. Herbert. He serves Juab, Millard, Utah, and Wasatch counties. Judge Howell graduated from the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University in 2002. He served as a trial attorney at the Utah County Public Defender Association, from 2002 until 2011, and then as chief counsel until his appointment to the bench.