Utah governor signs bill adding justices to state Supreme Court as redistricting appeal looms

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has signed a bill expanding the state Supreme Court’s five-judge panel to seven. Republican advocates for the change argue that it will help speed up decision-making. But legal experts say the move could have the opposite effect and also set a dangerous precedent at a time of tension between the branches of government. Utah courts have dealt lawmakers a string of defeats on issues such as abortion, transgender athletes and redistricting. Chief Justice Matthew Durrant previously urged legislators to take different steps such as adding judges to lower courts, where the need is greater.