Story perspectives

Utah Justice Hagen Resigns Amid Ethics Allegations, Reforms Announced

5/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

Justice Diana Hagen resigned immediately to protect her family’s privacy and preserve judicial independence, submitting her resignation to Governor Spencer Cox.
The resignation followed a complaint alleging a relationship with attorney David Reymann, which Hagen denied and from which she recused herself.
Governor Cox said the matter is closed, noting that the three branches announced Judicial Conduct Commission reforms and that Utah State Bar will monitor the effort.

History

Historical Context

Abe Fortas resigned from the Supreme Court on May 14 1969 after accepting a $20,000 retainer from financier Louis Wolfson, prompting Attorney General John N. Mitchell’s investigation and President Richard Nixon’s push for a probe. The scandal spurred the American Bar Association to tighten judges’ outside-income rules, and the seat remained vacant for 391 days until Harry Blackmun’s 1970 appointment, illustrating how ethical breaches have driven judicial-oversight reforms.

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Story summary

Justice Diana Hagen resigned immediately to protect her family’s privacy and preserve judicial independence, submitting her resignation to Governor Spencer Cox.
The resignation followed a complaint alleging a relationship with attorney David Reymann, which Hagen denied and from which she recused herself.
Governor Cox said the matter is closed, noting that the three branches announced Judicial Conduct Commission reforms and that Utah State Bar will monitor the effort.

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