St. George, UT---Judge Eric A. Ludlow has been named presiding judge for the Fifth District Court effective through June 30, 2010. Judge Ludlow replaces Judge Michael G. Westfall. Judge John Walton has been named associate presiding judge in the district.
The presiding judges are responsible for the effective operation of their courts. 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.
Presiding judges and associated presiding judges are elected by a majority vote of the judges of their court. When the presiding judge is unavailable, the associate presiding judge assumes his or her responsibilities.