Anna Albertson

Anna Albertson

Anna Albertson


Nonpartisan


for

Clark County District Court Judge, Dept. 11

Campaign Contact Phone: 7026592622


Website: www.annaalbertson.com


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/albertsonforjudge/


Twitter: https://twitter.com/Albertson4Judge



2022 Questionnaire


Please share briefly what inspired you to run for this office and why you feel you’re qualified for the position.

 

I am a wife, mother, attorney, and small business owner. I have been practicing in the court I am running in for more than 15 years. I have represented over 1000 clients in this court – most of that number is made up of underserved and low-income individuals. I have also been a part of more than 50 trials. I am the most experienced candidate in this race and the only candidate with extensive experience in this court. Experience which is needed and necessary to do this job successfully.

Additionally, since 2014 I have been a court-appointed arbitrator in this court. Then in 2018, I was appointed as a Judge Pro Tem. In my capacity as a Judge Pro Tem, I have presided over many cases and multiple jury trials. I have the honor of being the presiding judge over the first civil jury trial in District Court that went forward once the court opened back up following Covid shutdowns. In my capacity as a Judge Pro Tem, not one of the counsel appearing before me has ever filed an appeal or a writ. So not only have I never been overturned, none of my decisions have even been appealed.

Describe your understanding of the courts’ responsibility to uphold precedent?

Courts must be governed by precedent and established law. However, it is also the duty of a judge to consider the facts and circumstances in each case, the intent of legislation, and the effect of a ruling.

In what circumstances do the equal protection rights in 5th and 14th Amendments apply to same sex couples?

 

Both the 5th and the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution provide equal protection regarding rights to life, liberty, and property. However, the Nevada Code of Judicial Conduct prevents me from providing a detailed response to this question unless I want to risk disqualification on such matters when they appear in my courtroom. What I can say though is that everyone appearing in my courtroom will be treated with dignity and respect and will be afforded all rights available under the law.

In Brown v. Board of Education, the court declared that the separate-but-equal standard was unconstitutional. Describe ways in which this decision is applicable in today’s society.

 

Today, more than 60 years later, we are still addressing how to combat racial inequalities in our nation's school system.

Would you honor the request of a plaintiff, defendant, or witness in a case before you who is transgender to be referred to in accordance with that person’s gender identity?

 

Yes

Describe your understanding of nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people in places of public accommodation.

 

There are local, state, and federal laws that protect historically marginalized communities from discrimination. When a case involving discrimination comes before a District Court Judge it is the duty of that Judge to fairly apply the law in each case.

Have you been involved in a significant case where a primary issue was sexual orientation, gender identity or HIV/AIDs discrimination? If so, can you provide the case, venue, case number and case citation (if published decision) and your involvement?

 

No. But I have represented multiple clients that were HIV positive as well as many clients that had a sexual orientation and/or gender identity that differed from my own.

If you were presiding over a Justice Court, what would be your approach to an eviction proceeding, and what would you consider before moving forward with the eviction process?

 

I will not be presiding over Justice Court cases in the position I am running for. However, I believe currently there is a mediation option the parties can explore before an eviction is ordered.

Hypothetical: you are presiding over a case in which the plaintiff is undocumented. Their defense attorney argues that their due process rights were violated by inadequate bail proceedings. How would the plaintiff’s immigration status factor into your decision as to whether or not their right to due process was violated?

 

The Nevada Code of Judicial Conduct prevents me from providing a detailed response to this question without risking disqualification on such a matter if one was to come into my courtroom.

In recent years, we have seen Immigration and Customs Enforcement detain individuals as they are leaving criminal court hearings. Would you allow this to occur in your courtroom?

No.

What do you see as the judiciary’s role in advancing restorative discipline practices for Nevada’s students?

This issue has not come before me in my role as a Judge Pro Tem. However, if it were to come before me, I would consider the current law, any controlling case law, the facts and circumstances of the case, and any applicable legislative intent, before issuing any rulings.

What do you think is the most important issue or problem in the state’s justice system today, and how would you work to address it?

 

At the moment, one of the most pressing issues is the backlog of cases and the time it takes to get cases to resolution. The courts were closed and/or only limitedly open for a long time due to safety concerns related to Covid. Although this encouraged innovation in some ways by normalizing virtual and telephonic appearances, it has also delayed justice owed to many parties, victims, and witnesses. I will commit to working to efficiently and quickly resolve this by being ready to try cases immediately. As I discussed above, I have the honor of being the first judge to preside over a civil jury trial in Clark County District Court when the court re-opened post-covid shutdowns. Furthermore, I am a trained mediator who can also step in immediately to help resolve matters through settlement conferences.

 

If you were presiding over a specialty court, what would be your approach towards diversion initiatives and how would you evaluate their effectiveness?

 

If I was given the task of presiding over a specialty court, I would explore and research diversion initiatives. I would also follow leading, peer-reviewed research from reputable sources regarding methods for implementation and evaluation of effectiveness.

What is your view on cash bail following the decision in Valdez-Jimenez v. the 8th Judicial District Court?

 

Valdez-Jimenez v. the 8th Judicial District Court stated: (1) bail may be imposed only where it is necessary to reasonably ensure the defendant's appearance at court proceedings or to protect the community, and a defendant who remains in custody after arrest is entitled to an individualized hearing; and (2) because Defendants were no longer subject to pretrial detention, their petitions for writs of mandamus were denied. As a District Court Judge, I will be bound by this precedent.

In light of Nevada’s move to legalize recreational marijuana, what procedures would you follow or what factors would you consider in vacating the conviction of an individual for marijuana possession?

 

I would follow procedures and protocol of controlling law and case law, assess the facts and circumstances of the case, and consider any applicable legislative intent, before issuing any rulings.

 

The Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade less than 50 years ago established a person’s right to abortion and reproductive freedom. While Roe is considered settled law, the right to reproductive freedom and bodily autonomy is hanging in the balance as states pass increasingly unconstitutional laws to challenge Roe in court regardless of precedent. Do you agree that Roe is settled law?

 

My job as a District Court Judge is not to agree or disagree with controlling law. I intend to follow law as it exists.