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The Juab County and Nephi City Justice Courts have earned statewide recognition for their continued commitment to public service, fairness, and the administration of justice. In 2024, the courts were named Justice Court of the Year. This year, Judge Barbara A. Finlinson, who serves both the Juab County and Nephi City Justice Courts, was honored as the Outstanding Justice Court Judge of the Year in Utah for 2026.

The award was presented at the Spring Justice Court Conference held in Deer Valley, Utah. Each year, the Board of Justice Court Judges recognizes judges, court employees, and others who have made special contributions to strengthening Utah’s Justice Courts.

Following the presentation of the award, Judge Finlinson credited the success of the courts not to herself, but to the dedicated team who works daily to ensure the courts operate in accordance with the mission of the Utah Judiciary: “To provide an open, fair, efficient, and independent system for the advancement of justice under the law.”

The Juab County and Nephi City Justice Courts are operated by the same staff, led by Court Administrator Phelisha Hosea, who has worked with the courts since 2017. Judge Finlinson described Hosea’s contributions as invaluable and said she is an asset to the community.

The court team also includes Judicial Assistants Tamara Shepherd, Yazmin Tinoco, and Jami Ahlmer. Together, they manage the day-to-day work of the courts, assist members of the public, support court proceedings, and help ensure that those who come into contact with the justice system are treated with dignity and respect.

Judge Finlinson said their work plays an integral role in fulfilling the mission of Utah’s Judiciary. She emphasized that the staff members are often the first people court patrons encounter and that their professionalism helps individuals feel safe, heard, and respected throughout the process.

“These women are the true heroes,” Judge Finlinson said. “They work diligently to provide the best possible experience for every person who contacts or comes before the court. Their dedication and commitment are what make our courts successful.”

According to the Utah Courts website, Utah currently has 81 Justice Court judges serving 115 county and municipal courts. Justice Court judges handle matters that are often the public’s first and most direct contact with the judicial system, making professionalism, accessibility, and public trust essential to the work of the courts.

Nominees for Outstanding Justice Court Judge must be active Justice Court judges who provide leadership within the judiciary and in their communities. They are recognized as role models whose work strengthens and improves Utah’s Justice Courts. Nominations are submitted to the Justice Court Administrator at the Utah State Courts Administrative Office of the Courts and reviewed by the Board of Justice Court Judges.

The back-to-back recognition of the courts in 2024 and Judge Finlinson in 2026 reflects a continuing standard of excellence in Juab County and Nephi City. For Judge Finlinson, the awards are a tribute not only to judicial leadership, but to the entire court team whose daily efforts strengthen public confidence in the local justice system.