Appointed in 2010, Judge John Mack Dow passes all the minimum standards established for retention, leading a majority of the Commission to recommend that he be retained. However, the evaluation indicates concerns with Judge Dow’s performance.
In 2019, the Utah Supreme Court publicly reprimanded Judge Dow for forwarding a short, graphic video by group text to court staff. Further, court staff reported an unprofessional work environment during the investigation of misconduct. The Commission finds the judge’s actions deeply concerning, though it recognizes that the judge has taken responsibility for his actions. He expressed meaningful remorse and voluntarily completed workplace sensitivity training. Judge Dow has committed to exercise better judgment in order to avoid future problems. In court-user interviews, Judge Dow receives positive views from most respondents, though some express criticism. Respondents find the judge to be helpful and understanding toward the needs of courtroom participants. Most respondents report that Judge Dow demonstrates respectful behaviors but also maintains a straightforward demeanor that allows him to hold courtroom participants accountable. However, a few respondents feel the judge displays disrespectful behavior. This judge meets the discipline standards set by statute of no more than one public sanction per term of office and has been certified by the Judicial Council as meeting all time standards, education requirements, and mental and physical competence standards.
Judge John Mack Dow was appointed to the Tooele County Justice Court in May 2010. He attended Dixie College and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science from the University of Utah. He earned a Juris Doctorate Degree from Pepperdine University School of Law. 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 15 years. Prior to this, he maintained a private practice that focused primarily on criminal defense and family law. Judge Dow worked for the Tooele County Sheriff’s Office while attending college and has been a volunteer firefighter for Tooele City. He has served as president of the Tooele County Bar Association, on the Citizen’s Review Board for the Division of Child and Family Services, on the Utah Firefighter’s Museum Board, and was counsel for the Utah State Firefighter’s Association.