Mayor’s Message

Welcoming a New Justice Court Judge

The roots of the Washington City Justice Court go back to 1870, when Justices of the Peace were elected for two-year terms. It wasn’t until 1982 that state law changed requiring the creation of local Justice Courts. Lee Bunnell, a biology professor and football coach at Dixie College raising his family here in town, saw an ad in the local newspaper, noted that a law degree was not required, and applied for the position. Mayor Robert Slack appointed him as Washington City’s first Justice Court Judge in 1983.

Shortly after taking the bench, Mayor Slack, a history professor and peer at the college, told Judge Bunnell that the court would be under the direction of Councilman Orson Brown. Judge Bunnell quickly reminded the mayor and history professor that there are three independent branches of government. Municipal government follows a similar structure to state and federal with executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

Throughout his service, Judge Bunnell handled all kinds of cases, but said that dog-related cases were among the most memorable. He joked about being “chased and bitten all over town” and chuckled at how passionately people would defend their dogs—sometimes with more tears than they’d shed for their children! Judge Bunnell served Washington City with wisdom, humility, and a sharp wit for 35 years. He also officiated hundreds of civil marriages, and still today has a key to the courtroom for such occasions.

Following Judge Bunnell’s retirement in 2018, Judges Thad Seegmiller and Jake Graff continued to build on the foundation he laid. Today, I am honored to inform you of the recent appointment of Aaron Randall as Washington City’s fourth Judge in its 167-year history.

Judge Randall is an experienced attorney and legal professional with deep ties to Southern Utah. A graduate of Brigham Young University and Santa Clara University School of Law, he has over 20 years of preparation, including serving as president of the Southern Utah Bar Association. Beyond the courtroom, he is a devoted family man, active in our community, and even serves as a high school wrestling official.

The Justice Court plays a vital role in our city, handling class B misdemeanors, infractions, and small claims cases. Having a staffed and modern justice court at City Hall allows us to address these matters efficiently, without the delays often seen in larger jurisdictions. Judge Randall’s experience, character, and common sense make him ideally qualified to lead our court today.

Appointing a new judge was a task I didn’t take lightly. When considering each of the final candidates recommended for this position by the selection committee, according to state statute, I often reflected on the legacy of Judge Bunnell. I recalled him saying that a justice court is “government for the people”. Judge Randall embodies a “for the people” philosophy, and I am confident he will carry forward the values of fairness, humility, and even a sense of humor, in serving our community for years to come. Please join me in welcoming Judge Randall to lead our court. His appointment is a reminder of Washington’s City’s commitment to justice for the people we serve.

 -Kress Staheli

Mayor

kress@washingtoncity.org