Utah Gov. Olene Walker helped officially kick off a gathering of the nation's chief justices and top court administrators Tuesday by emphasizing the need for all three branches of government to work together in a respectful manner.

The legislative branch writes laws and the executive branch, of which Walker is part, looks out for the welfare of its citizens as a whole.

"You, on the other hand, are the keepers of the individual freedoms," Walker told the conference attendees. "You make sure that justice is done."

The annual meeting of the Conference of Chief Justices and State Court Administrators actually began Sunday, with workshops and leadership sessions that continued through Monday, but the opening ceremony was not until Tuesday morning.

Walker received standing ovations before and after her brief remarks, as well as accolades during an introduction by Utah Supreme Court Chief Justice Christine Durham. The two women share a special bond, Durham said, as the state's first female governor and chief justice.

Walker praised Durham's willingness to meet with lawmakers and discuss issues important to the state. Though the parties many not always agree on policy matters, the governor said it is always important to hold one another in "prime respect."

Walker also paid tribute to the great judges in Utah and said she holds judicial appointments among the most important aspects of her job. Initiatives are important, she said, but "the legacy of the judges I appoint will live on for many years."

The conference concludes Thursday afternoon.