Justices off to Hawaii to attend conference

Wednesday, July 17, 2002 | 9:50 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- While Gov. Kenny Guinn is struggling to cut millions of dollars from the state's budget, the seven justices of the Nevada Supreme Court flew off to Hawaii to attend the 2002 meeting of the State Bar.

Chief Justice Bill Maupin isn't charging the state for attending the conference but the six others are seeking to be reimbursed anywhere from $1,377 to $1,950.

Ron Titus, chief of the Administrative Office of the Courts, said the justices had an active role in making "various educational presentations," on the island of Hawaii.

The association, composed of Nevada lawyers, gave a tribute to Justice Cliff Young, who is retiring from the court.

Maupin gave a "State of the Judiciary" address. Justices Deborah Agosti and Bob Rose talked on recommendations for improving the jury system. Justice Miriam Shearing discussed public access to court records, Titus said. Agosti also was present at the meeting of the board of governors to represent the court.

"No unusual expenses were incurred by virtue of the location of the meeting," Titus said.

Young submitted a claim for reimbursement of $1,822; Shearing for $1,548; Agosti for $1,889; Rose for $1,648; Myron Leavitt for $1,377 and Nancy Becker for $1,950.

Titus said the location of the conference is chosen by the State Bar and this one "resulted in very good attendance." He said it was important for court members to be at the meeting to "attend educational sessions and maintain formal and informal lines of communications with the association and its members."