AGENCY: District Court (Fourth District)
SERIES: 5062
TITLE: Minute books
DATES: 1878-1896.
ARRANGEMENT: Chronological by court dates.
DESCRIPTION: This series is made up of minute books which record the official acts and proceedings of court terms held in three different judicial districts while sitting in Ogden, Weber County, Utah. Cases include those from Weber County as well as from Box Elder, Cache, Rich, and Morgan counties. These records were created and maintained by the court clerk, who was required by statute to keep a record of proceedings (Compiled Laws of Utah, 1876, sections 1062 and 1065).
The minutes are a daily record of documents filed and actions taken with regard to every matter brought before each session of the court, largely regarding documents submitted, appearances before the court, and orders issued. The minutes encompass both criminal and civil cases, including probate matters such as estates, guardianship, and adoption. Petitions for divorce are a predominant type of civil action. Others include naturalization, voluntary withdrawal or dissolution of corporations, and petitions for a writ of habeas corpus. Criminal matters may involve larceny, trespass, burglary, robbery, assault, battery, rape, prostitution, sodomy, gambling, narcotics, riot, perjury, or murder. Unlawful cohabitation or polygamy cases were common in the 1880s.
RETENTION
DISPOSITION
RETENTION AND DISPOSITION AUTHORIZATION
These records are in Archives' permanent custody.
FORMAT MANAGEMENT
Paper: Retain in State Archives permanently and then microfilm.
Microfilm master: Retain in State Archives permanently with authority to weed.
Microfilm duplicate: Retain in State Archives permanently with authority to weed.
APPRAISAL
Administrative Historical Legal
Disposition based on the historical value of the minute books as documentation about individuals, legal procedure, court history and functions. Minute books have legal and administrative value to the court through dismissal or satisfaction of the final judgment. Because they enforce or protect private rights and prevent or redress private wrongs, the value of the judge's decrees and final judgments to parties in any action may extend well into the future.
PRIMARY DESIGNATION
Public. Public.