SALT LAKE CITY — The Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee unanimously approved 3rd District Judge Michele Christiansen's appointment to the Utah Court of Appeals on Tuesday but not before grilling her about her philosophy of justice, whether she might be considered too lenient and even whether she might be too young for the job.
Christiansen, 40, said she has a "great range of experience" that she believes gives her a greater breadth of experience than some people twice her age might possess. She has worked as a federal prosecutor, a lawyer in private practice and has been on the district court bench since 2007. She also worked with the Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice.
"I believe I am older in my years" in terms of temperament, experience and patience, Christiansen told the committee.
As for the idea of leniency, she said her decisions are based on the crimes committed by the people who appear before her.
When it comes to those with mental health and addictions struggles, Christiansen said those individuals deserve a chance to change, for both humane reasons and practical ones, as prisons do not have the resources to offer the kind of in-depth help these people need.
However, Christiansen said she would never make a legal decision because she personally wants a particular result.
"I can have sympathy and personal beliefs, but my job as a district court judge — and an appellate judge — is to follow the law and apply the law," she said. "I'm not out to make law or become an activist judge, because that's not who I am."
Christiansen, who is married and has two children, said she tries to strike a balance between work and family life, as well as contributing to community activities. And she often feels like she comes up short — that she is somehow not quite good enough as a mom or a judge or a sister.
But she found the solution is to continue on and do the best she can.
Christiansen lauded her Czechoslovakian ancestors who fled their homeland because of World War II and their resilience and work ethic, which she believes she has inherited.
"I have worked very hard in my life to excel," she said.
Her appointment to the Court of Appeals now needs approval from the Senate to be final.
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