Washoe County family court judge David Hurnke was suspended without pay for three months and fined $1,000 for mishandling child support cases and refusing to discipline his former judicial assistant. [RGJ; RJ]
The Zoloft defense didn’t work: the jury found Brandon Hanson guilty of murder. [Fox5Vegas]
Does Metro really know where all the security cameras are on the Strip or not? [Baltimore Post-Examiner]
Larry Bertsch, the forensic accountant put in charge of figuring out the financial Stephen Paddock’s assets, said through his lawyer Alice Denton last week that the banks are giving him some resistance. [Fox5Vegas]
Do judges get unlimited vacation time? Seems many members of our judiciary abuse the system, missing days/weeks month after month, particularly during the summer. My matters keep being continued because the judge just doesn't feel like coming to work that day/week. I've found the biggest culprits are the younger/newer members of the judiciary. Does anyone keep track? Or care? I've heard colleagues suggest filing complaints, but if it's acceptable practice what's the point?
I think this generally falls under the category of non-actionable d-bag behavior. If it gets extreme, maybe enough complaints to the chief judge would earn the culprit a talking-to? Wasn't this part of the problem with Halverson?
I believe it was a problem with her. Vega as well. But I've found it to be a bigger issue with the lower courts. These judges barely work as is, taking weeks off every month in addition to that is mind boggling. I find it hard to believe there's no policy in place to prevent this type of behavior.
As an elected official, judges do not get any set number of days for annual leave days (for vacation, education, training, etc.) or sick days. They, however, are unable to accrue (bank) unused annual leave or sick days and receive a check when they separate from their employment. Unlike regular government employees.
So to answer your question, they can take off as many days they choose. I am certain that in a contested election, any opponent can obtain public records as to how many days are being taken off by the incumbent. You may recall that Jackie Glass did this when she ran against Sobel and was able to get her media friends to film him outside his home in his bathrobe during a workday.
Vega was a problem and so was Walsh. Halverson was far more problematic when she was in court rather than out of court. The problem is that we have a chief judge that has no power over other judges. Some judges refuse to attend meeting or follow the even a tiny bit of direction/policy.
I agree with OP. I've seen it as an issue in District Court, but it's far more prevalent in jc and muni. Worse in Las Vegas than Henderson and North Las Vegas. I think bringing it out at election time is a great idea, but in the meantime maybe a formal complaint or a whisper in the ear of Jane Ann Morrison is in order.
Rebecca Kern is presently the worst on this issue (yes I will call a current one out by name). We do Evictions and Unlawful Detainers. We have multiple cases from February and March that she still has not ruled on the Temporary Writs of Possession. Holli Stoberski sat in and just kicked the cans down the road. Her conduct is so outrageous that we are considering complaints outside of Justice Court because this is getting Delaney-bad on being out of the office and unable to dispense rulings.
I see complaints posted about the lower court judges absenteeism. How often are they gone? I am curious about the number of days they are taking off on a monthly basis?
Wasn't she on maternity leave? I think judges should be called out for excessive vacation, but come on. You're complaining about a judge because you did not like the one that sat in in her place when she had a baby.
@10:44, I know of at least two judges (one muni and one jc, both relatively new) that miss on average a week a month. There are others that I see on social media gallivanting all over the world when they should be sitting with their butts planted firmly on the bench. I won't call out names because I fear retaliation, but I will say that I'm not alone in my concerns.
This isn't the first complaint about Judge Kern being slow to get work out of her department, but in all fairness my impression is that she's new and really trying to read every single page that passes through her department. Not realistic on a practical basis but she'll need to learn that herself.
Yes I am absolutely calling out a Judge and her department even after maternity leave. By the way, she was back in March. It is June for unlawful detainers that are supposed to be expedited. That is pathetic (and I am a woman with kids).
Guest
Anonymous
June 18, 2018 3:35 pm
What's up with family court judges? From memory havent roughly 1/3 been in serious trouble last few years jones, potter, del vechio, fine, etc – maybe another 1/3 less serious hughes, doninger, etc., by my count approx 2/3 had issues thats insane % – excuse typos texting
The percentage of family court judges who shouldn't be judges is probably lower than the percentage of family law attorneys who shouldn't be attorneys.
Twenty-two years ago, I rented an office to a small-time divorce lawyer. He's disbarred now, but that's beside the point. He had me make an appearance for him once, told me it would be easy. That was and remains the only time I've ever been in family court. That courthouse is a scary and lawless place. No one knows what's going on and there is no order to anything. The judges and lawyers are incompetent and the parties are crazy.
@ 8:35. Fran Fine is hardly "last few years." Her problems were in 1998. Steve Jones, 2013 (already served his sentence and out of club fed), Doninger, 2013. No discipline but fired for the heat during an election year, Hughes, no verdict yet, Potter – current, I'll give you that. So if you're going to complain about FC judges, get the dates and time right.
11:22 — And you can make all your boneheaded pronouncements admittedly based on "the only time I've ever been in family court"? Wow, who's your daddy, Donald Trump?
I'll be one of those attorneys who will admit that I practice some family law. I went solo a few years ago and it pays the bills. It does become emotionally draining after a while and I will probably decrease the amount of family law cases I handle in the coming years.
But the pronouncements about the family court so far have been greatly over-exaggerated. The family court is not that bad and I'm pretty sure I've seen just as much craziness at the RJC. There are some good judges and maybe 3 really bad ones there and the rest are just mediocre.
Family law may not be the most glamorous, but after 12 years of handling a good mix of civil and family cases, some of my most rewarding cases have been family law cases.
Guest
Anonymous
June 18, 2018 6:27 pm
everytime i go to the family court, i immediately go home afterwards and take a shower.
Guest
Anonymous
June 18, 2018 8:30 pm
I'm certainly not defending Family Court but 11:22 makes it sound worse than Dante's Inferno.
Although I appreciate the colorful manner in which 11:22 condemns such court, I sincerely doubt it's quite THAT bad.
11:22 makes it sound like it is complete anarchy to the point that you could easily be murdered while on the premises and that no one will react to it.
Now, if by some chance 11:22 is not grossly distorting the situation, if I ever have to make an appearance there I will make certain to wear full combat gear. But since that would certainly activate the metal detectors, how do I make certain I can arrive at the proper courtroom in relative physical safety?
Guest
Anonymous
June 18, 2018 9:26 pm
I've seen TV News in other cities where the Investigative Team follows judges around during a weekday. Some judges are habitually late for work or leave very early so they can go to the dry-cleaner, Lifetime fitness, a nail salon, extended lunches, car wash, and similar non work locations. It's really funny when a judge agrees to go live to explain.
Innovation with a twist: just document the Tao and Cadish campaigns the next 5 months and calculate the time off case work. In New York the reporter for one set of stories just filmed as the jurists came late and left early from work and then rushed them with a camera……..hilarious. Here, one of the baliffs would just shoot you.
The lack of attention to the pimp case by Metro and the DAs Office is stunning. Where is the AG and the State Bar? What's taking the FBI so long? The allegations here are outrageous and both the cops and the prosecutors should be required to explain every aspect of what happened. It looks dirty as hell. If it's not true, then they should provide an explanation.
It's telling that the Baltimore Post Examiner is the only news talking about it recently until the Nevada Independent did this opinion piece. It's almost like someobody doesn't want the public paying attention to this.
Do judges get unlimited vacation time? Seems many members of our judiciary abuse the system, missing days/weeks month after month, particularly during the summer. My matters keep being continued because the judge just doesn't feel like coming to work that day/week. I've found the biggest culprits are the younger/newer members of the judiciary. Does anyone keep track? Or care? I've heard colleagues suggest filing complaints, but if it's acceptable practice what's the point?
I think this generally falls under the category of non-actionable d-bag behavior. If it gets extreme, maybe enough complaints to the chief judge would earn the culprit a talking-to? Wasn't this part of the problem with Halverson?
I believe it was a problem with her. Vega as well. But I've found it to be a bigger issue with the lower courts. These judges barely work as is, taking weeks off every month in addition to that is mind boggling. I find it hard to believe there's no policy in place to prevent this type of behavior.
As an elected official, judges do not get any set number of days for annual leave days (for vacation, education, training, etc.) or sick days. They, however, are unable to accrue (bank) unused annual leave or sick days and receive a check when they separate from their employment. Unlike regular government employees.
So to answer your question, they can take off as many days they choose. I am certain that in a contested election, any opponent can obtain public records as to how many days are being taken off by the incumbent. You may recall that Jackie Glass did this when she ran against Sobel and was able to get her media friends to film him outside his home in his bathrobe during a workday.
Vega was a problem and so was Walsh. Halverson was far more problematic when she was in court rather than out of court. The problem is that we have a chief judge that has no power over other judges. Some judges refuse to attend meeting or follow the even a tiny bit of direction/policy.
I agree with OP. I've seen it as an issue in District Court, but it's far more prevalent in jc and muni. Worse in Las Vegas than Henderson and North Las Vegas. I think bringing it out at election time is a great idea, but in the meantime maybe a formal complaint or a whisper in the ear of Jane Ann Morrison is in order.
Rebecca Kern is presently the worst on this issue (yes I will call a current one out by name). We do Evictions and Unlawful Detainers. We have multiple cases from February and March that she still has not ruled on the Temporary Writs of Possession. Holli Stoberski sat in and just kicked the cans down the road. Her conduct is so outrageous that we are considering complaints outside of Justice Court because this is getting Delaney-bad on being out of the office and unable to dispense rulings.
I see complaints posted about the lower court judges absenteeism. How often are they gone? I am curious about the number of days they are taking off on a monthly basis?
Wasn't she on maternity leave? I think judges should be called out for excessive vacation, but come on. You're complaining about a judge because you did not like the one that sat in in her place when she had a baby.
@10:44, I know of at least two judges (one muni and one jc, both relatively new) that miss on average a week a month. There are others that I see on social media gallivanting all over the world when they should be sitting with their butts planted firmly on the bench. I won't call out names because I fear retaliation, but I will say that I'm not alone in my concerns.
Rebecca Kern was definitely on maternity leave, that's very different than excessive "vacation."
I know judges who get rid of valid cases to campaign.
This isn't the first complaint about Judge Kern being slow to get work out of her department, but in all fairness my impression is that she's new and really trying to read every single page that passes through her department. Not realistic on a practical basis but she'll need to learn that herself.
Yes I am absolutely calling out a Judge and her department even after maternity leave. By the way, she was back in March. It is June for unlawful detainers that are supposed to be expedited. That is pathetic (and I am a woman with kids).
What's up with family court judges? From memory havent roughly 1/3 been in serious trouble last few years jones, potter, del vechio, fine, etc – maybe another 1/3 less serious hughes, doninger, etc., by my count approx 2/3 had issues thats insane % – excuse typos texting
The percentage of family court judges who shouldn't be judges is probably lower than the percentage of family law attorneys who shouldn't be attorneys.
I like you, 10:36
Twenty-two years ago, I rented an office to a small-time divorce lawyer. He's disbarred now, but that's beside the point. He had me make an appearance for him once, told me it would be easy. That was and remains the only time I've ever been in family court. That courthouse is a scary and lawless place. No one knows what's going on and there is no order to anything. The judges and lawyers are incompetent and the parties are crazy.
I have done a little pro bono there and nothing else. It is still the same.
@ 8:35. Fran Fine is hardly "last few years." Her problems were in 1998. Steve Jones, 2013 (already served his sentence and out of club fed), Doninger, 2013. No discipline but fired for the heat during an election year, Hughes, no verdict yet, Potter – current, I'll give you that. So if you're going to complain about FC judges, get the dates and time right.
8:35 here, sorry, getting old, the decades start blurring together, it seems just like yesterday
11:22 — And you can make all your boneheaded pronouncements admittedly based on "the only time I've ever been in family court"? Wow, who's your daddy, Donald Trump?
Dear 5:15 – I'm tired from a long day but I do not get your transition into Trump – please explain
I'll be one of those attorneys who will admit that I practice some family law. I went solo a few years ago and it pays the bills. It does become emotionally draining after a while and I will probably decrease the amount of family law cases I handle in the coming years.
But the pronouncements about the family court so far have been greatly over-exaggerated. The family court is not that bad and I'm pretty sure I've seen just as much craziness at the RJC. There are some good judges and maybe 3 really bad ones there and the rest are just mediocre.
Family law may not be the most glamorous, but after 12 years of handling a good mix of civil and family cases, some of my most rewarding cases have been family law cases.
everytime i go to the family court, i immediately go home afterwards and take a shower.
I'm certainly not defending Family Court but 11:22 makes it sound worse than Dante's Inferno.
Although I appreciate the colorful manner in which 11:22 condemns such court, I sincerely doubt it's quite THAT bad.
11:22 makes it sound like it is complete anarchy to the point that you could easily be murdered while on the premises and that no one will react to it.
Now, if by some chance 11:22 is not grossly distorting the situation, if I ever have to make an appearance there I will make certain to wear full combat gear. But since that would certainly activate the metal detectors, how do I make certain I can arrive at the proper courtroom in relative physical safety?
I've seen TV News in other cities where the Investigative Team follows judges around during a weekday. Some judges are habitually late for work or leave very early so they can go to the dry-cleaner, Lifetime fitness, a nail salon, extended lunches, car wash, and similar non work locations. It's really funny when a judge agrees to go live to explain.
Innovation with a twist: just document the Tao and Cadish campaigns the next 5 months and calculate the time off case work. In New York the reporter for one set of stories just filmed as the jurists came late and left early from work and then rushed them with a camera……..hilarious. Here, one of the baliffs would just shoot you.
I wonder if the DA reality starring Wolfson will showcase the ten of thousands that went missing from his campaign meat locker.
Show
The lack of attention to the pimp case by Metro and the DAs Office is stunning. Where is the AG and the State Bar? What's taking the FBI so long? The allegations here are outrageous and both the cops and the prosecutors should be required to explain every aspect of what happened. It looks dirty as hell. If it's not true, then they should provide an explanation.
It's telling that the Baltimore Post Examiner is the only news talking about it recently until the Nevada Independent did this opinion piece. It's almost like someobody doesn't want the public paying attention to this.
Why I voted for Langford.
George Knapp has been covering it from the start.
I am old and decrepit, and I make passes at women who are half my age. I also watch Fox and Friends all the time.
Up two three four operation home cooking at the RJC.