Editorial: TV special wasn’t judge’s finest hour

Friday, Feb. 25, 2000 | 9:30 a.m.

Former Washoe County District Court Judge Mills Lane, whose court television show is nationally syndicated, arguably is the most recognizable Nevadan with a judicial background. But last week Clark County Family Court Judge Dianne Steel eclipsed Lane, performing the controversial wedding ceremony for the Fox television special, "Who Wants to Marry a Multimillionaire."

While Steel was seen by millions of viewers, it's not exactly the 15 minutes of fame most would seek. After all, the show broadcast from Las Vegas has received criticism for making a mockery of marriage, and a subsequent investigation revealed that the millionaire had some skeletons in his closet, including allegations that he had once hit and threatened to kill a former girlfriend. The couple now plans to annul the marriage. Despite all of this, Steel told Sun reporter Kim Smith she'd do it again as long as she could talk with the couple beforehand to make sure it wasn't a lark. Steel, though, would be better off to protect her reputation by avoiding such nonsense in the future.