Appointed in 2000, Judge Ernest Jones scores consistent with the average of his district court peers in all survey categories. Survey respondents describe him as calm, considerate and polite. Most respondents and all observers view Judge Jones as fair and impartial, although some survey respondents criticize him for substituting his personal legal views for the letter of the law and court rules. Both observers and respondents agree that Judge Jones projects a pleasant demeanor and that he consistently and patiently explains his decisions to courtroom participants. Observers all report they would feel comfortable appearing before him in court. Of 66 survey respondents answering the retention question, 59 (89%) recommend that Judge Jones be retained.
The commission reviewed surveys and courtroom observation reports in addition to verifying that Judge Jones has met all time standards, judicial education requirements, and discipline standards established by the judicial branch.
Judge Ernest W. Jones was appointed to the Second District Court by Gov. Michael O. Leavitt in 2000. He earned his law degree from the University of Utah College of Law in 1974. He has served as the Clinton City attorney, worked at the Utah Attorney General’s Office, the Weber County Attorney’s Office, and the law firm of Olmstead, Stine and Campbell. From 1980-2000, while practicing law at the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office, he received the Most Valuable Prosecutor Award and Salt Lake County Employee of the Year award. Judge Jones is LTC (Ret.), Staff Judge Advocate, U.S. Army Reserves. Judge Jones serves as a Drug Court judge in Weber County and is a member of the Board of District Court Judges.