With more than two decades of judicial experience, Judge Scott Johansen has a bold, no-nonsense style that prompted mixed reviews from survey respondents. While respondents most frequently described Judge Johansen as knowledgeable, confident, and intelligent, a minority perceived him as arrogant and impatient. Judge Johansen received lower than average survey scores for procedural fairness, separation of his personal beliefs from his legal rulings, and fair and respectful treatment of courtroom participants. Respondents, however, also praised Judge Johansen for his understanding, helpfulness, preparedness, and punctuality. Courtroom observers expressed more consistency in their views of Judge Johansen, with all stating they would feel comfortable appearing before him. Observers cited Judge Johansen’s personable, caring approach to courtroom participants and his serious but empathetic demeanor. Of survey respondents who answered the retention question, 88% recommended that Judge Johansen be retained.
The commission reviewed surveys and courtroom observation reports in addition to verifying that Judge Johansen has met all time standards, judicial education requirements, and discipline standards established by the judicial branch.
Judge Scott N. Johansen was appointed to the Seventh District Juvenile Court in January 1992 by Gov. Norman H. Bangerter after serving as Emery County attorney since 1979. He earned a law degree in 1977 from the J. Reuben Clark College of Law at Brigham Young University and practiced with the Price law firm of Frandsen, Keller & Jensen from 1977 to 1979. He served as city attorney for several cities and towns in Carbon, Emery, and Sanpete counties and is a former president of the Utah Association of Counties. Judge Johansen is a past chair of the Board of Juvenile Court Judges, past chair of the Judicial Council’s Policy and Planning Committee, and past member of the Sentencing Commission and the Judicial Council.