Appointed in 2010, Judge John Dow earned survey scores higher than the average of his justice court peers in all categories. Survey respondents described him as calm, considerate, and consistent. Several respondents applauded his effective and efficient courtroom. Ninety-nine percent of the adjectives that survey respondents chose to describe Judge Dow were positive. Comments from courtroom participants were likewise positive. They reported that Judge Dow was organized and efficient, treated litigants fairly and with concern, and listened well. All observers reported they would feel comfortable appearing before Judge Dow. Of the survey respondents who answered the retention question, 97% recommended that Judge Dow be retained.
The commission reviewed surveys and courtroom observation reports in addition to verifying that Judge Dow has met all time standards, judicial education requirements, and discipline standards established by the judicial branch.
Judge John Mack Dow was appointed to the Tooele County Justice Court in May 2010. He graduated from the University of Utah and earned his Juris Doctorate degree from Pepperdine University School of Law in 1990. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Dow worked for the Tooele County Attorney’s Office, where he prosecuted felony, misdemeanor, and juvenile cases for 16 years. Judge Dow worked for the Tooele County Sheriff’s Office while attending college, has been a volunteer firefighter, and served various positions including president of the Tooele County Bar Association, on the Citizen’s Review Board for the Division of Child and Family Services, and on the Utah State Firefighter’s Museum Board.