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Las Vegas Municipal Court Judge Department 1 Choose 1

Municipal Judges preside over cases involving violations of city ordinances, including traffic offenses, misdemeanor charges, and local code enforcement matters. These courts handle cases that arise within city limits and ensure that proceedings follow due process and established legal standards. While municipal courts address lower-level offenses, their decisions directly affect residents’ daily interactions with the justice system, including fines, sentencing, and compliance requirements. Because these judges play a key role in applying the law fairly, maintaining courtroom professionalism, and safeguarding individual rights at the local level, these races contribute to public trust and accountability within the municipal court system.

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Rae Canady (NON)

Biographical Information

X (formerly Twitter) @canadyforcourt
Campaign Email canadyforcourt@gmail.com
Campaign Phone Number 702-723-0580
Endorsements Nevada Veterans Caucus, Independent Black Voters, Hispanics in Politics, New Era Las Vegas, Nevada NOW PAC, PLAN Action, Western States Regional Council of Carpenters, IATSE Local 720, SEIU Local 1107, Culinary Workers Union Local 226, Forward Party, Southern Nevada Central Labor Council, Nevada AFL-CIO, Democratic Municipal Officials, Nevada Law Enforcement Coalition, Nevada Association of Public Safety Officers

What experience or qualifications best prepare you to serve in this judicial role?

I'm the best prepared and qualified candidate. 1. I have the most education with 2 bachelor degrees, a master's degree, a law degree, and advanced mediation training. 2. I have the most experience. I've been a lawyer for 22 years and, before that, I was a social worker for 5 years. For half of my career, I advocated for clients, first as a public defender litigating every type of case that Las Vegas Municipal Court (LVMC) handles and, now, as a civil litigator giving kids a voice in court. And for half of my career, I advocated for positive changes within court systems as an administrator, including at LVMC. I know how to run a courthouse. 3. I have a clear vision to move LVMC forward.

How do you approach interpreting and applying the law when deciding cases?

Most lawyers interpret law by reading it carefully and giving each word its ordinary meaning. If that doesn't help, then look to case law. Has another judge already provided an interpretation? If not, then look to the legislature's intent when passing the law. If the intent can't be determined, then seek counsel from wiser lawyers. Applying the law is more complex because judges have great discretion. That's why choosing the best candidate is so important. My approach to applying the law is to lead with data (know the applicable law, facts of that case, and research about how to effectively respond to that particular crime) and follow with compassion (understand the unique circumstances of the accused and victim and listen to their wishes).

How would you ensure fairness, impartiality, and public confidence in the courtroom?

By creating a community-centered court that is innovative, transparent, and efficient. A community-centered court prioritizes procedural justice and listens and responds to the needs of the public. Procedural justice refers to the perception of fairness in the court process. An innovative court incorporates technology to make transactions easy and convenient. A transparent court creates an advisory council made up of community members, ensures courtroom doors are unlocked and the public is welcomed inside to observe, and readily shares court information and data so the public knows how their tax dollars are being spent. An efficient court utilizes research-based policies and best practices that effectively address criminal behavior.

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Amanda Pellizzari (NON)

Biographical Information

Campaign Phone Number 702-544-2394

What experience or qualifications best prepare you to serve in this judicial role?

I have been a criminal lawyer for over 18 years. I have practiced in almost every court in the state of Nevada. I have also served as an alternate judge in the Las Vegas Municipal Court. I have handled all types of criminal cases, from the most serious A felonies to misdemeanors. I have been lead counsel on numerous jury trials and handled every aspect of a criminal case. I also currently serve as a Public Attorney in Las Vegas Municipal Court, where I represent indigent defendants in the court I am currently running for. I believe I have more courtroom experience than any other candidate, and am ready to use that experience to serve my community from the bench.

How do you approach interpreting and applying the law when deciding cases?

A judge's job is not to legislate or create laws from the bench. A judge is to interpret and apply the laws in a fair and unbiased way. One important thing to consider when applying and interpreting laws is to look at precedent. It is important to be consistent in rulings, so looking to how higher courts have already interpreted a law is incredibly important. If there is no precedent, looking to the intent of the legislature in making the law can be important. Ultimately though, a law or statute needs to be followed as it was written and intended to be followed.

How would you ensure fairness, impartiality, and public confidence in the courtroom?

Because I have served as a defense attorney for many years, my job has been to ensure fairness in courtrooms. I feel I can now use my experience to practice from the other side of the bench and ensure impartiality from all aspects.

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Matt Walker (NON)

Biographical Information

What experience or qualifications best prepare you to serve in this judicial role?

Candidate has not yet responded.

How do you approach interpreting and applying the law when deciding cases?

Candidate has not yet responded.

How would you ensure fairness, impartiality, and public confidence in the courtroom?

Candidate has not yet responded.