A well-defined leadership hierarchy makes for no surprises in next president of Mormon churchSALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A former Utah Supreme Court justice is expected to be named the next president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after the recent death of President Russell M. Nelson. Announcing his successor — Dallin H. Oaks — is largely a formality because the church has a well-defined leadership hierarchy that has governed it for decades. The longest was Brigham Young, who served nearly 30 years in the mid- to late 1800s. He and three other church presidents served less than five years, including an 18-month stint by Harold B. Lee from 1972 to 1973. Monson served nearly 10 years, and Hinckley was in the post for nearly 13.