The Utah Supreme Court released a statement on Apr. 17 addressing recent media reports about allegations concerning Justice Diana Hagen. The court clarified that Justice Hagen’s last involvement in the League of Women Voters case was in October 2024 and that she updated her recusal list after reconnecting with old friends in spring 2025, recusing herself from further participation.
The matter has drawn attention because it concerns judicial ethics and public trust in the state’s highest court. According to the court, when allegations surfaced from Justice Hagen’s ex-husband in December 2025, she promptly informed the Judicial Conduct Commission so an independent investigation could take place as required by the Utah Constitution.
Justice Hagen said, “I never operated under a conflict of interest while performing my judicial duties. My last involvement in the redistricting case was October 2024. I voluntarily recused myself from all cases involving Mr. Reymann in May 2025, and my recusal was reflected in the Court’s September 15, 2025 opinion in League of Women Voters. I took prompt, prudent, and transparent steps in response to the allegations made by my ex-husband, including reporting them myself to the Judicial Conduct Commission and submitting a sworn statement. The Judicial Conduct Commission recently reviewed the matter, dismissed the complaint, and closed the case. I remain committed to upholding the highest standards of judicial ethics, integrity, and impartiality.”
The statement explained that under state law and constitutional mandate, only the Judicial Conduct Commission is authorized to investigate such complaints against judges or justices. This commission consists of legislative appointees as well as members appointed by other branches according to its official website. The commission conducted an independent review into all aspects of these allegations before dismissing them.
Records related to this confidential process were reportedly released without authorization—something both judiciary officials and commission representatives say they did not do—which led to renewed scrutiny over previously investigated matters.
The Utah State Courts are composed of two appellate courts along with trial courts across eight districts statewide as outlined on their official website. Justices serve renewable ten-year terms according to official information and elect a chief justice among themselves for operational oversight as per court details. The system aims for openness and fairness while enhancing public understanding through educational initiatives according to its mission.
