St. George, UT---Judge Michael Westfall has been named presiding judge for the Fifth District Court effective July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2008. Judge Westfall replaces Judge James Shumate. Judge Eric A. Ludlow has been named associate presiding judge.
Judge Thomas M. Higbee has been named presiding judge for the Fifth District Juvenile Court effective July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2008. Judge Higbee replaces Judge Hans Chamberlain.
The presiding judge is responsible for the effective operation of their court. According to court Rule 3-104, presiding judges are responsible for implementation and enforcement of statutes, rules, policies, and directives of the Judicial Council as they pertain to the administration of the courts. The presiding judge is responsible for assigning cases and judges.
The Fifth Judicial District presiding judges and associated presiding judges are selected on a rotation basis. When the presiding judge is unavailable, the associate presiding judge assumes his or her responsibilities.