Appointed in 2014, Judge Paul E. Dame’s minimum performance standard scores are consistent with the average of his juvenile court peers. Ninety-six percent of respondents recommend him for retention. Respondents say Judge Dame is a knowledgeable professional who adheres strictly to the law and controls his courtroom effectively. They praise his respectful and skilled interactions with youth and families. Some suggest Judge Dame’s rigid thoroughness and slow decision-making can affect court participants negatively. However, courtroom observers laud Judge Dame’s conversational interactions with court participants, describing him as supportive yet firm. They also note his intelligent handling of often delicate matters. All observers report confidence that they would be treated fairly if they were to appear in Judge Dame’s court. This judge meets discipline standards set by statute and has been certified by the Judicial Council as meeting all time standards, education requirements, and mental and physical competence standards.
Judge Paul E. Dame was appointed to the Fifth District Juvenile Court in 2014 by Governor Gary R. Herbert. He serves Beaver, Iron, and Washington counties. Judge Dame graduated cum laude from the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University in 1990. Prior to his appointment, he worked as an attorney at Parsons Behle & Latimer (1990-1994), served as a Deputy Washington County Attorney (1994-1995), served as the St. George City Prosecutor (1995-1998), served as the Chief Deputy Washington County Prosecutor (1998-2004) and served as a Washington County Justice Court Judge (2004-2014). Judge Dame currently serves as the presiding judge for the Fifth District Juvenile Court.