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Clark County District Court Judge Eighth Judicial District Department 5

District Court Judges preside over major civil and criminal cases, including felony prosecutions, large civil disputes, family law matters, and constitutional challenges. These judges interpret and apply Nevada law, make decisions about sentencing, rule on the admissibility of evidence, and ensure that court proceedings follow due process. Because District Court judges shape how laws are enforced and how individual rights are protected, their decisions directly affect public safety, civil liberties, and access to justice. Although judicial races often receive less attention than other offices, these positions play a critical role in upholding the rule of law, ensuring fairness in the legal system, and maintaining public confidence in an independent judiciary.Note: This is a nonpartisan race. The designation only applies to the race, and does not reflect the political affiliations of the candidates.

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  • Candidate picture

    Veronica Barisich
    (NON)

  • Candidate picture

    Tracy Hibbetts
    (NON)

Biographical Information

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

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

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

X (formerly Twitter) @@JudgeBarisich
Campaign Phone Number 702-577-4580
Endorsements Public Safety Alliance of Nevada, Las Vegas Police Managers & Supervisors Association, Nevada Police Union, Las Vegas Police Protective Association, Las Vegas Peace Officer Supervisor Association, Police Officers Association of Clark County School District, Las Vegas Peace Officers Association, Peace Officer Research Association of Nevada, Sparks Police Protective Association, Reno Police Protective Association, Carson City Sheriff's Supervisory Association, Washoe County Sheriff Deputies Association, Washoe County School Police Officer's Association, Douglas County Sheriff's Protective Association, Asian American Group, Armed Forces Chamber, Professional Fire Fighters of Nevada, Laborers' International Union of North American Local 872 (Liuna!872), The Third Branch Pac, Southern Nevada Building Trades Union, Operative Plasterers' & Cement Masons' Local 797, SEIU Local 1107, Hispanics in Politics, Ironworkers Local 433, Plumbers, Pipefitters & Service Technicians Local 525, Nevada Veterans Caucus, Independent Black Voters, Nevada Veterans United, Teamsters Nevada, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees
Campaign Endorsements Additional information - Facebook: @JudgeVeronicaBarisich Instagram: @JudgeBarisich
I am running for re-election to District Court, Dept. 5. I was elected in 2020, and for the past six years have successfully managed a high-volume all-civil docket, including two specialty courts: medical malpractice and probate. Before taking the bench, I practiced in the areas which I preside over, including civil law, probate, and family law. I also served as Judge Pro Tem in Small Claims Court - sitting at the bench, listening and deciding cases. For a decade, I served as a mediator and arbitrator with the Nevada State Bar Fee Dispute Committee. That judicial experience coupled with my legal experience prepared me to serve as a District Court Judge. I have 22 years' experience, and the fairness and integrity to continue serving.
As a judge, I believe the law must be followed as written. When the law is not clear, it is to be interpreted narrowly, consistent with its purpose, to reach a fair and legally grounded decision. Every decisions must be made with fairness and impartiality, and everyone in the courtroom must be treated with respect.
Every decision I make impacts people's lives, businesses, finances, and family, and I do not take that responsibility lightly. I approach each case with fairness and impartiality, carefully considering the evidence and the law before reaching a decision. I believe every person deserves to be heard and given a meaningful opportunity to present their case. I apply the law to the facts presented and strive to provide clear, well-reasoned decisions grounded in the law. Maintaining public confidence in our judiciary is paramount. Serving as a judge in Department 5 is a responsibility I value deeply, and I remain committed to upholding the integrity and fairness of our judicial system.
Campaign Email tracy@tracy4judge.com
Campaign Phone Number 702-876-6268
Endorsements Steve Wolfson, District Attorney
Campaign Endorsements Western States Regional Council of Carpenters (Carpenters Union); Clark County District Attorney Investigators Association; Clark County Deputy Marshals Association; Clark County Prosecutors Association; Culinary Union; Fair and Qualified Nevada Coalition (FAQ); Nevada Association of Public Safety Officers (NAPSO); Southern Nevada Building Trades Unions (SNBTU).
I started working in our legal community in 2003. In 2004, I obtained my paralegal certificate from UNLV and worked as a paralegal at a civil firm until I started law school in 2008. I became a public defender in 2012 and defended the rights of indigent clients in justice and district courts every day. I have tried many bench and jury trials to verdict. I also mentored, trained, and supervised interns, law clerks, and attorneys. In 2023, I became a prosecutor and was assigned to the special victims unit - vehicular crimes team to prosecute drunk and dangerous drivers to keep our roads and our community safe. I continue to mentor and supervise interns, law clerks, and new attorneys while carrying a full case load and do jury trials.
First, I will refrain from forming an opinion. Second, I will read all documents filed by all parties. Then, I will do my own legal research. I will also keep up with the latest higher court opinions to ensure my rulings follow current laws and cases. I will also write my own orders. By first not forming an opinion, it allows me to be neutral and unbiased, then properly review the facts and apply the law and render a fair and sound ruling. I can also seek guidance from experienced judges. I believe the most important part of being a judge is to remain neutral at all times. A ruling from the court should be void of emotions or personal feelings. That will be the approach I strive to take everyday if elected and when I am deciding cases.
I will maintain decorum and enforce civility in the courtroom. I understand a courtroom is an intimate place for everyone, including attorneys. I will ensure everyone who comes into the courtroom is treated with respect and dignity. Everyone will also be treated fairly, regardless of race, gender, religion, the language they speak, or socioeconomic background, or whom they chose to love. I will also work with a staff that embodies neutrality, civility, and respect to all who comes into the courtroom so everyone feels they are treated the same.