SALT LAKE CITY — Governor Spencer Cox has named his pick for the next justice of the Utah Supreme Court.

Third District Court Judge John Nielsen, who has been on the bench for roughly a year, was nominated to replace retiring Associate Chief Justice John Pearce. Judge Nielsen has been practicing in front of the state's top court for years, working in a firm founded by former Justice Tom Lee. Judge Nielsen has also been a law professor at Brigham Young University and the University of Utah.

Chief Justice Matthew Durrant praised Judge Nielsen for his writings and arguments before the Utah Supreme Court, saying Nielsen "actually answers the questions" which is "rare."

Asked by FOX 13 News about his judicial philosophy, Judge Nielsen replied: "Two words: textualist and originalist."

"The e

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