Appointed to the bench in 2005, Judge Jeanne Robison scores consistent with the average of her justice court peers in all survey categories, but evokes contrasting opinions about various aspects of her performance. Survey respondents, who on the whole had a great deal of experience in her courtroom, characterize her as a legally astute and capable administrator of a busy court. However, they also describe her as disrespectful, treating people rudely and with a notable lack of consideration. Courtroom observers are more consistently positive about Judge Robison, with those who had initial reservations about her demeanor later attributing them to her sincere concern for the welfare and success of defendants. All observers say they would feel comfortable appearing before her. Of survey respondents answering the retention question, 77% recommend that Judge Robison be retained.
The commission reviewed surveys and courtroom observation reports in addition to verifying that Judge Robison has met all time standards, judicial education requirements, and discipline standards established by the judicial branch.
Judge Jeanne Robison has served on the Salt Lake City Justice Court since 2006. After graduating from Brigham Young University in 1986, she earned a law degree from the University of Utah in 1994. Judge Robison has served as a member of the Justice Court Judges’ Education Committee and as Presiding Judge of the Salt Lake City Justice Court. She also presided over the collaborative restorative justice program, Passages. Judge Robison currently serves as chair of the Education Curriculum Subcommittee. She is also the Presiding Judge for traffic matters for the Salt Lake City Justice Court, where she is working to reform practices on the issuance of warrants in traffic cases.