Kara L. Pettit at a glance
- Current role
- Associate Presiding Judge, District Court Judge
- Court
- Utah Third District Court
- Jurisdiction
- Utah · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Kara L. Pettit
Associate Presiding Judge, District Court Judge · Utah Third District Court
Available research
Biography
Professional career
- In December 1999, she joined the law firm of Snow, Christensen & Martineau, where she practiced civil litigation until being appointed to the bench in 2014.
- From 1995-1999, she was a deputy prosecuting attorney for the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney's Office in Boise, Idaho, serving in various capacities, including the misdemeanor, juvenile, child protection, and felony divisions.
- Prior to her appointment on the bench, Judge Pettit volunteered with several organizations or projects over the years, including the Ada County Human Rights Task Force, pro bono Guardian Ad Litem program, pro bono Legal Clinic at Guadelupe School, and The Road Home Development Committee. 1/19
Judicial service
- Judge Kara L. Pettit was appointed to the Third District Court in September 2014 by Governor Gary R. Herbert.
Courtroom rules and guidance
Electronic Media Coverage
Utah permits electronic media coverage of public proceedings under statewide UCJA procedures, including proceedings conducted by remote transmission.
This rule governs electronic media coverage of proceedings that are open to the public, including proceedings conducted by remote transmission.UCJA Rule 4-401.01 Electronic media coverage of court proceedings ↗
Media Request Process
Utah requires requests for electronic media coverage to be made through the court's public information office.
All requests to provide electronic media coverage shall be made to the court’s public information office.UCJA Rule 4-401.01 Electronic media coverage of court proceedings ↗
Portable Electronic Devices
Utah permits possession and use of portable electronic devices in courthouses unless limited by UCJA Rule 4-401.02 or by directive of the judge.
A person may possess and use a portable electronic device anywhere in a courthouse, except as limited by this rule or directive of the judge.UCJA Rule 4-401.02 Possession and use of portable electronic devices ↗
Recording Photography Transmission
Utah prohibits recording, photographing, or transmitting images or sound of court proceedings with portable electronic devices unless allowed under the electronic-media rule or another stated exception.
A person may not use a portable electronic device to record, photograph, or transmit images or sound of court proceedings, except in accordance with rule 4-401.01 or subsection (2)(D) above.UCJA Rule 4-401.02 Possession and use of portable electronic devices ↗
Sources
Utah State Courts official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · checked July 26, 2026
https://www.utcourts.gov/en/courts/other-court-info/judges-bios/district-courts/third-district-court/kara-l-pettit.htmlUCJA Rule 4-401.01 Electronic media coverage of court proceedings
Judge research source · HTML · checked July 26, 2026
https://legacy.utcourts.gov/rules/view.php?type=ucja&rule=4-401.01UCJA Rule 4-401.02 Possession and use of portable electronic devices
Judge research source · HTML · checked July 26, 2026
https://legacy.utcourts.gov/rules/view.php?type=ucja&rule=4-401.02