Appointed to the juvenile court bench in 2013, Judge Keith Eddington scores consistent with the average of his peers in all survey categories, including procedural fairness. Survey respondents recognize his calm demeanor and fair approach, although some suggest he should be more assertive in controlling his courtroom. Both survey respondents and courtroom observers note his courteous manner but are divided on whether he is appropriately firm and decisive in court. Most courtroom observers agree that they would be treated fairly if they appeared before Judge Eddington. They consistently acknowledge his attentiveness, patience, and even-handed nature. Of 38 survey respondents answering the retention question, 32 (84%) recommend that Judge Eddington be retained.
The commission reviewed surveys and courtroom observation reports in addition to verifying that Judge Eddington has met all time standards, judicial education requirements, and discipline standards established by the judicial branch.
Appointed to the Eighth District Juvenile Court in 2013 by Gov. Gary R. Herbert, Judge Keith Eddington earned a law degree from the BYU J. Reuben Clark Law School in 1988, and then engaged in private practice until 2001. After serving as an Assistant Attorney General in child protection for five years, he returned to private practice until his appointment to the bench. Judge Eddington has served on the Advisory Board of the Children’s Justice Center in Uintah and Duchesne counties and prosecuted child welfare cases for the Ute Indian Tribe. He has also served as an adjunct professor of Business Law at USU and currently sits on the Utah Court Improvement Project Committee on Indian Affairs and serves as presiding judge for his district.