Rebecca Saxe

Rebecca Saxe

Rebecca Saxe



for

Las Vegas Township Justice Court, Dept. 13

Campaign Contact Phone: 7025827821


Website: RebeccaSaxe4Judge.com


Facebook: RebeccaSaxe4Judge


Twitter: Saxe4Judge



2022 Questionnaire


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

 

I believe it is important to have judges on the bench with a diversity of experience and who have compassion for others. I have spent over a decade fighting for the rights of people, first at the ACLU of Nevada and then at the Clark County Public Defender's Office, where I have worked for the past 10 years.

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

As a justice court judge, I have a duty to uphold the precedent set by Nevada's District Court and the Nevada Supreme Court.

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

 

The equal protection clause protects same sex couples from being discriminated against by any governmental agency. In 2015 (Obergefell v. Hodges), the US Supreme Court granted same sex couples the right to marry based on the equal protection clause and the due process clause.

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.

 

Although we have come a long way since the 1954 decision in Brown v. Board of Education, we still have a long way to go to fulfill the promise to provide all children with integrated and equitable schools.

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.

 

In Nevada, governmental agencies are prohibited from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations based on gender identity or expression.

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.

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?

 

As a judicial candidate, while I cannot pre-judge or comment on an issue that may come before me, there are specific laws and protections in place regarding the eviction process and I vow to uphold the law.

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?

 

As a judicial candidate, I cannot pre-judge or comment on an issue that may come before me because every person that appears before me is entitled to an individualized hearing taking into account their specific circumstances. If elected, I vow to uphold the law, including the constitutional rights of anyone who appears before me.

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?

As a judicial candidate, I cannot comment on or pre-judge an issue that may come before me and I am bound by the laws of Nevada as set by our legislature and the Nevada Supreme Court. That being said, I believe rehabilitation and restorative discipline are important approaches for improving the lives of Nevada's students.

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?

 

I think there is mistrust in the state's justice system by many of the people in our community. I believe one way to address this mistrust is through compassion. If elected, I am committed to having compassion, understanding and respect for everyone that appears before me.

 

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

 

I believe rehabilitation and diversion initiates are important approaches for addressing the issues facing individuals in our community. An evidence-based approach is one way I would evaluate their effectiveness.

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

 

As a judicial candidate, I cannot pre-judge or comment on a matter that may come before me. That being said, Valdez-Jimenez is the current law in Nevada and it provides a framework for circumstances when the Court should not impose a cash bail. I am committed to upholding the law, if elected.

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?

 

As a judicial candidate, I cannot pre-judge or comment on a matter that may come before me, but there are laws in place regarding when a marijuana possession conviction should be sealed or dismissed and I vow to uphold the law.

 

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?

 

Yes.