Clark County District Judge Jackie Glass gives one of her “judge hugs” Wednesday during drug court after announcing her resignation from the bench to take on a new role as host of the CBS TV show “Swift Justice.” Glass, who presided over the O.J. Simpson trial, will begin hosting the show in September.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011 | 3:59 p.m.
Judge Jackie Glass got a glimpse of what's to come today as she addressed her upcoming departure to CBS's "Swift Justice" in her Clark County drug court full of media cameras.
She's confident her transition from Eighth Judicial District Court judge of Clark County to the Emmy-nominated program will be smooth, thanks to her experience presiding over the county's drug court program.
After all, she already uncharacteristically walks around the courtroom, interacts with program participants one-on-one and delivers the occasional "judge hug."
"Because of this experience, I think that's one of the reasons I'm able to move on where I'm going," she said, acknowledging that drug court can be a like a "show" at times.
Glass' last day in a Clark County judge robe is June 10. She will start hosting "Swift Justice" in September. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Nancy Grace, the show's original host, left because the show relocated from Atlanta to Los Angeles.
In Clark County, Glass has presided over specialty courts, including felony DUI court, mental health court and drug court.
“I was humbled to be given the opportunity by my colleagues to preside over specialty courts in this jurisdiction,” Glass said in her resignation letter to Gov. Brian Sandoval.
The specialty courts “serve important roles in our court system,” she said.
Glass is perhaps best known for having presided over O.J. Simpson’s 2008 trial, where she sentenced him to nine years in prison without parole for armed robbery.
Glass told the participants in her drug court Wednesday afternoon that despite her departure, she will continue to be an advocate for people with drug addictions or mental illness.
"I really do care whether you succeed or not," she said. "All I want you to do is get clean and sober and stay out of the criminal justice system."
District Court Chief Judge Jennifer P. Togliatti said Glass’s departure “will leave big shoes to fill.”
“Our specialty courts are a well-oiled machine thanks to her leadership. Her tireless advocacy has brought to light how effective and important the specialty courts are to our community,” Togliatti said.
The Commission on Judicial Selection will recommend three candidates to the governor for his selection for appointment to the seat. The process is expected to take several months.
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