Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Editorial: Justice at a snail’s pace

When it comes to speedy justice it appears Nevada's judges - and those who accuse them of misconduct - are among the last to receive it.

According to a story by the Associated Press, the seven-member state Judicial Discipline Commission investigates complaints against judges and has the power to remove or censure them and to order fines, apologies, training or counseling.

But AP reports that the commission can take years to investigate and resolve such complaints. Among the examples cited was an Elko County District Court judge who remains accused of sexually harassing a woman two years ago and a Clark County District Court judge who was censured for campaign violations three years after they occurred.

Nevada lawmakers in 2005 considered a measure that would have required complaints against judges to be investigated within six months of being filed. But the proposal died in the Senate because of concerns over costs. Among those calling for renewing such a proposal in 2007 is the American Civil Liberties Union and the Nevada Judges Association, AP reports.

State lawmakers should heed this call for judicial reform and see to it that these types of cases are resolved more quickly.

People who file such complaints should see their concerns dealt with in a timely fashion. And judges who stand accused of misconduct should not have to work for years in the shadow of such accusations.

Everyone would benefit from quicker resolutions.

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