Michael G. Allphin has been appointed as the new district court administrator to oversee the administration of Utah's consolidated eight district courts.
His immediate responsibility will be to implement the District Court Act, passed by the 1988 Legislature, which transfers administration and funding of the district courts from the counties to the state. Salt Lake, Weber, Davis and Utah counties will automatically become a part of the state district court system, with the other 25 counties having the option to join before July 1.Allphin will work directly with the counties to resolve issues and negotiate contracts pertaining to personnel, data processing services, jury management and space allocation for the courts and clerical staff. He will also serve as staff to the board of district court judges and work with the court executives.
"My goals are to effect a smooth transition of the district courts from county to state operation and to assist in efforts to modernize the district court system, making it more efficient and more uniform throughout the state," Allphin said.