Appointed in 2006, Judge Mark Kouris scores consistent with average of his district court peers in all survey categories. Most survey respondents praise Judge Kouris as hardworking, well-prepared, confident, and intelligent. The majority of survey respondents and courtroom observers agree that Judge Kouris efficiently manages a heavy daily court schedule. Some respondents and observers, however, view him as impatient, noting that he moves through his calendar so quickly that he can be difficult to understand. Nonetheless, all courtroom observers conclude that they would feel comfortable appearing before him in court. Of 69 survey respondents answering the retention question, 60 (87%) recommend that Judge Kouris be retained.
The commission reviewed surveys and courtroom observation reports in addition to verifying that Judge Kouris has met all time standards, judicial education requirements, and discipline standards established by the judicial branch.
Judge Mark S. Kouris was appointed to the Third District Court in 2006 by Gov. Jon M. Huntsman, Jr. Judge Kouris earned a Bachelor’s Degree, a Masters Degree, and a Juris Doctor degree, all from the University of Utah. After running his own business, he worked as an Assistant Utah Attorney General and then as a Deputy District Attorney, where he prosecuted gang felonies. Judge Kouris then joined the Utah Federal Defender’s Office until his appointment to the bench. Judge Kouris is an adjunct professor at the University of Utah College of Law and at Salt Lake Community College. He has been serving on the Board of District Court Judges since 2011 and served as a Third District Drug Court judge from 2006-2015.