Utah judge reprimanded over conduct

The Utah Supreme Court has issued a public reprimand against 7th District Judge Bruce Halliday acting on the recommendation of the Judicial Conduct Commission.

The commission, which investigates complaints against judges, had urged the high court to reprimand Halliday for having contact outside the courtroom with a woman he had sentenced to jail, including sending a congratulatory card and roses, and visiting with her in her home and once in his chambers, where she complained about a case involving another defendant and he made no comment.

All parties agreed there was no romantic relationship between Halliday and the woman, Natalie Blanton, 30, who was sentenced to jail by Halliday. But Ron Yengich, the judge's attorney, said Halliday was worried about the effect of a jail sentence on Blanton's husband and three young children.

Yengich previously has said Halliday is not only a good judge and a good man, but the JCC's recommendation for a reprimand would impose an unconstitutional restriction on Halliday's personal rights to free speech and free association.

The JCC acknowledged that Halliday's actions were "driven by his goal of reducing recidivism and were well-intentioned," since he was trying to encourage Blanton in her drug recovery and attempting to keep her family together.

However, the JCC concluded Halliday's conduct violated the code of ethics that Utah judges must observe. His behavior created the appearance of impropriety, according to the JCC.

Blanton currently is in prison on a zero-to-five year term for a burglary case in which she was sentenced by another judge.

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