Judicial Profiles
| Publication year | 1993 |
| Pages | 31 |
| Citation | Vol. 6 No. 5 Pg. 31 |
Profile of Judge Homer F. Wilkinson
Terry E. Welch, J.
BACKGROUND
Judge Wilkinson is a genuine local product. Born in Cedar City and educated in Salt Lake, he strives to help maintain the pleasant atmosphere he so thoroughly enjoyed as a youth. Wilkinson attended I Wasatch Elementary, Bryant Junior and East High Schools. He also stayed around for college — receiving both Bachelor of Science and Juris Doctorate degrees from the University of Utah.
Wilkinson finds judging "a very sobering experience, " particularly when the lives of individuals will be dramatically impacted from particular decisions. While he very much likes being on the bench, he finds many of his duties particularly painful. Dealing with "real world" problems as the breakdown of families and marriages is among his least pleasurable responsibilities. Particularly agonizing to Wilkinson is his repeated observation of the unfortunate hatred and bitterness that often accompany domestic disputes. Disputes regarding the lack of integrity in the business community also are troubling. As is likely true of any judge, Wilkinson's . notes, he now holds a heightened awareness of the problems inherent in many peoples' lives — an awareness that is not always pleasant.
Life as a judge, however, is by no means unsatisfying. Judge Wilkinson most enjoys seeing justice done to both parties. While he explains that the heartache often felt by the "losing party" is difficult to observe, in most cases — he believes justice is served.
While he has been a judge for over a decade, Wilkinson remains sensitive to the pressures and constraints inherent in practicing law. In fact, he states that if anything he has become more empathetic to attorneys since becoming a judge. He has increased appreciation for the time restraints within which they operate.
VIEWS ON LEGAL SYSTEM
Judge Wilkinson gives our system an "A" for overall design and theory. Even in practice, Wilkinson grades the system only slightly lower — perhaps a B+/A-. Simply put, says Wilkinson, the system is the best ever implemented anywhere in the world. Wilkinson views the independence of the judiciary as the system's greatest strength. The jury system is an added strength in his view — and one that sets our system apart from many others. While, at times, problems may arise within the system, Wilkinson believes they are most often caused by improper use or misuse...
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