- Quickdraw McLaw
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We begin today by taking a moment to recognize those who have served in the Armed Forces. Thank you for your service and dedication to our great country.
Both federal and state courts are closed today, but on the chance that some of you are working, here is some news:
- U.S. Magistrate George Foley, Jr. declined to dismiss the federal indictment against Judge Steven Jones. As pointed out by our commenters, judicial candidate Lisa Willardsen makes an appearance in the comments. [RJ]
- Speaking of Ms. Willardsen, according to her Facebook page, Nevada Judicial Watch has changed its name to Nevada Judicial Guardian due to trademark concerns.
- Like the beginning of a mystery novel, another Nevada inmate died recently, bringing the total to six over the last two months…[RJ]
- We already have our first set of contestants for the 2014 judicial election. Both Richard Scotti and Phung Jefferson have announced their campaign for the Department 2 bench being vacated by Valorie Vega.
- From the Veterans in Politics Talk Show schedule we’ve learned that Jim Crockett and Amy Chelini are likely candidates for district court in 2014. Rumor has it that Crockett may be running for the seat on the bench being vacated by Judge James Bixler in Department 24.
- Anyone else have any word on newly announced or about-to-announce candidates?
I heard a rumor (from a reliable source) that Steve Gibson (yes, THAT Steve Gibson) is considering a run for the bench. No word on whether the blue tooth will make an appearance in campaign literature, or, ultimately, on the bench.
this could be legen—-wait for it—-dary.
Richard Scotti and Jim Crocket would be amazing additions to our District Court bench. Both are highly accomplished and respected members of the bar. We'd be fortunate to have them on the bench. It is not often in Clark County, Nevada that we see lawyers of this caliber willing to take on a position on the Court. More often, we see candidates like, well, the other two mentioned.
Should we assume you're their campaign manager?
Nope. Just a practicing litigator tired of trying to make unqualified judges understand the law. Wouldn't you rather litigate an important civil case in front of a judge who actually understand how a complicated civil case works?
Phung Jefferson actually lists as one of her qualifications for the bench that she is a member of the UNLV alumni association.
What is an "original law firm in Nevada"? Ms. Jefferson started her career, according to her website, at one of these. Which firms still around from statehood?
I heard that judge Marshall and judge Kephart are running for district court as well
That might explain the ridiculously high bail set by Kephart in the Sprowson case.
8:37 – I have to agree with 8:57. The language in your post comes across as a bit stiff or scripted, and not what a random person would say anonymously on a blog like this. Of course for all I know you could be Judge Posner, but it makes me skeptical of the endorsement.
Take a look at the relative qualifications of Scotti and Crocket as compared to the other two candidates mentioned. Hell, look at the relative qualifications of Scotti and Crocket as compared to most of the hacks currently on the EJDC bench.
Not saying I disagree. I did not comment on their qualifications – just how the comment sounded.
Nevada Judicial Guardian is a touch dramatic, but it least it isn't some hyper dork name like Justice League of Nevada…
I don't know…"Judicial Guardian" is pretty darn dorky if you ask me.
I agree that Scotti would make a great judge, he's a very bright and reasonable guy.
In my experience, he's not too hot at taking depositions, but thankfully that is not a required skill to be a judge. He's a smart guy and I think he'd be a good judge.
Family Court: Judge Gloria O'Malley is retiring (Dept B);
apparently Steve Jones wants to run for re-election; it may be an pen seat – who knows;
Lisa Willardson (who does not practice general family law) wants to run for a Family Court judgeship- with no experience.
Romeo Perez is seeking to de-throne Judge Pollock;
Mary Perry is running for Dept L in Family Court.
Richard Scotti would be awesome.
serious question. Do you really need family court experience to be a family court judge? Isn't it just taking law and applying it to facts?
No. It is taking the facts, ignoring the law, and making things up as you go, because "in the best interests of the child" will cover you 2/3 of the time. When you get divorces, you divide it however the hell you want, call it equitable while citing one or two well-known cases, and you get to screw over the party with the least well-liked lawyer.
No experience necessary.
The scary thing is that family court judges are technically district court judges and could handle any other matter if called upon to do so.
to Anonymous at 5:26 pm: One should have the case experience in Family Law to be a judge there. Best interests of the child is one thing. Applying all the other factors is another. It is not just the "child issues". How about calculating and applying the Malmquist formula to alimony, just as one example. The problem is that some of the judges already there HAD no prior experience, and it is why you get the description you described.
If Family Court Judges had the "in the trenches" experience in these cases in the courtroom, there would be a better reputation in family court, better decisions, and less "screwing over".