Utah Leaders Respond to Alleged Relationship Between Supreme Court Justice and Redistricting Lawyer

Allegations of judicial misconduct prompt calls for independent investigation

Apr. 17, 2026 at 3:54pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of an empty courtroom filled with warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of contemplation and the gravity of judicial responsibility.The allegations surrounding a Utah Supreme Court justice's relationship with a redistricting lawyer raise concerns about the impartiality of the state's judicial system.Salt Lake City Today

Utah political leaders, including the Governor, Senate President, and House Speaker, have issued a joint statement responding to allegations that Supreme Court Justice Diana Hagen had a relationship with an attorney involved in a high-profile redistricting case before the court. The leaders have called for an independent investigation to ensure transparency and maintain public confidence in the state's institutions.

Why it matters

The allegations raise concerns about potential conflicts of interest and judicial impartiality, which are critical to maintaining the integrity of the state's legal system and democratic processes, especially in high-stakes cases like redistricting that can have significant political implications.

The details

The allegations surfaced in a complaint submitted last year to the Chief Justice and the Judicial Conduct Commission. While an initial review was conducted, the leaders state that important questions remain unresolved. They have now called for an independent investigation to fully examine the facts and establish accountability.

  • The allegations were first raised in a complaint submitted last year.
  • The Judicial Conduct Commission and the Court conducted an initial review of the matter.

The players

Governor Spencer J. Cox

The Governor of Utah, who has joined other state leaders in calling for an independent investigation.

President J. Stuart Adams

The President of the Utah Senate, who has joined other state leaders in calling for an independent investigation.

Speaker Mike Schultz

The Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives, who has joined other state leaders in calling for an independent investigation.

Justice Diana Hagen

A member of the Utah Supreme Court who is alleged to have had a relationship with an attorney involved in a redistricting case before the court.

Chief Justice Matthew Durrant

The Chief Justice of the Utah Supreme Court, who received the initial complaint regarding the alleged relationship.

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What they’re saying

“Recent media reports about a relationship between a member of the Utah Supreme Court and an attorney who has argued high-profile cases before the Court raise serious questions and concerns.”

— Governor Spencer J. Cox, President J. Stuart Adams, and Speaker Mike Schultz

“We trust the work of the Judicial Conduct Commission and the process it followed as it previously investigated and addressed this matter. Efforts by the Legislature to investigate a member of the judiciary raise significant concerns over the separation of powers.”

— Utah Senate and House Democratic Leaders

What’s next

The leaders have stated that an independent investigation will be conducted to ensure the facts are fully examined and to maintain public confidence in the state's institutions.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of judicial impartiality and the need to maintain public trust in the legal system, especially in high-profile cases that can have significant political implications. The independent investigation will be crucial in determining the facts and addressing any potential conflicts of interest.