Rules of Juvenile Procedure – Comment Period Closes August 25, 2025
URJP034. Pre-trial hearing in non-delinquency cases. Amend. In response to In re J.M., 2024 UT App 147, the proposed amendments to Rule 34 include: (1) stylistic and grammatical changes that aim to provide clarity; (2) in paragraph (c), articulation of the court’s process in informing respondents of their rights and potential consequences upon adjudication of the petition; (3) a proposal to remove the language in (d)–this language is contained in Rule 19–and replace it with the capture of a respondent’s answer in open court; (4) in paragraph (e), when a respondent declines to admit or deny the allegations, the respondent can proceed with an “uncontested answer;” (5) paragraph (f) directs the court to find that admissions or uncontested answers and waiver of rights are knowing and voluntary; (6) and in paragraph (g), provide a mechanism to respondents seeking relief from admissions or uncontested answers.