In December 1980, Utah Governor Scott M. Matheson appointed Howe to a seat on the Utah Supreme Court vacated by the resignation of Justice D. Frank Wilkins.Utah Judicial Council, Utah Judicial Council History (March 1998). Howe served as Associate Chief Justice from 1988 to 1993, and became chief justice in March 1998. He also served as the Judicial Council's representative on the Utah State Retirement Membership Council. Howe retired on December 31, 2002,Elizabeth Neff, "Friends Honor Retired Justice Howe", Salt Lake Tribune (January 16, 2003). and was succeeded on the Court by Jill Parrish.Elizabeth Neff, "Senate OKs Two Supreme Court Justices", Salt Lake Tribune (February 27, 2003).
