Part-time justice court judges standing for retention in 2016 are required to meet three minimum performance standards adopted by the judicial branch and enacted by the legislature.
Judge Balmforth met these standards:
- He participated annually in no less than 30 hours of continuing legal education for each year of his current term;
- He held no cases under advisement for more than two months; and
- He has not been the subject of any public reprimands issued by the Judicial Conduct Commission or the Utah Supreme Court during his term of office.
Based solely on compliance with these standards, the commission recommends retention for Judge Balmforth.
Judge Clinton E. Balmforth was appointed as the South Jordan Justice Court judge in January of 1998 and also as the Alta Justice Court judge in November of 2002. He received a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Utah Law School in 1968 and is a current member of the Utah State Bar. Judge Balmforth has worked as a Prosecuting Attorney for Salt Lake City, Deputy County Attorney for Salt Lake County and as the City Attorney for South Salt Lake. Prior to his judicial appointments, Judge Balmforth worked as the part-time prosecuting attorney for the City of South Jordan. He also served as an instructor for Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training. In 2005 he was recognized and received an award from the South Jordan Chamber of Commerce for exemplary service and commitment to the community.