Mark’s Soap Box

AP — Suspension stands — the AP gets it wrong — as usual — Hardcastle was NOT suspended; Halverson is suspended

LAS VEGAS (AP) - A Clark County district court judge who was suspended for allegedly falling asleep on the bench has lost her bid to be reinstated while her appeal is pending before the Nevada Supreme Court.

But in a partial victory for Judge Elizabeth Halverson, the high court ruled Friday that Chief District Judge Kathy Hardcastle overstepped her authority by banning Halverson from the courthouse in May.

What a crock.

“Unless faced with an emergency situation requiring immediate action, the chief judge’s remedy is with the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline, which has authority over formally disciplining judges, or under certain circumstances, with this court,” the Nevada Supreme Court ruled.

You mean like a Judge who barricades herself in the office with a gun toting thug whom she allowed to bypass security AND who employees fear is a danger? Sorry but that is a pretty clear “emergency” if you ask me.

Anyway the obese Judge Halverson is still suspended. At least they got that right.

Veteran lawyers say they fear this entire incident is a black eye on the local judicial system.

“Well that’s the part that disturbs us lawyers — that the public is going to lose confidence in the judicial system when you see something like this — a circus going around with accusations made from one judge to another judge and vice versa,” said Herb Sachs, who is involved in a case where a motion is pending in front of Judge Halverson.

Lawyers are worried that this will make the system “look bad” — you think? It’s not like it wasn’t already a bit shady in most people’s eyes. This is an embarrassment. The voters in her district should be ashamed.

I am not a fan of appointed Judges, especially those for life. However I am not a fan of clowns like this either. Both ways suck, I suppose. Or maybe it’s the people?

It appears that Judge Charles Thompson will take over for Halverson. Thompson has experience as a District Judge.

Previously On The Island

• Halverson Suspended
• We don’t need no stinkin security checks – not like criminals are here.
• Halverson on the offensive – claims ticket fixing
• Halverson v Hardcastle – the fight is on
• Spoor sues Halverson – fired her, now she strikes back.
• Even Drudge is catching on – nice pic!
• No wonder she went to law school her hubby is a crook.
• Traffic Referee, only in Vegas – do they get stripe shirts?

Tags: Halverson, Hardcastle, Nevada, Las+Vegas, Kathy Hardcastle, Elizabeth Halverson, Charles Thompson, ilene spoor, spoor, traffic ticket, ticket, lawsuit, nevada