Written by Chief Judge Jerry Wiese
As Chief Judge of the Eighth Judicial District Court, when I think of labor and employment issues I think of things like wage disputes, discrimination claims, workplace rights, and collective bargaining agreements. During an election cycle, however, I am reminded that these issues may intersect with the judiciary in a different way.
In Nevada, because our judiciary is elected, judges find themselves stepping outside of their courtrooms and into the community, seeking support, endorsements, and financial contributions. Because judges campaign to retain their positions, there are some unique considerations that arise—particularly when it comes to seeking endorsements. In a jurisdiction as dynamic as Clark County, organized labor has an influential and respected voice, representing thousands of workers whose livelihoods are shaped by the very laws judges interpret.
Seeking union endorsements can present a delicate balance for judges. On one hand, it reflects engagement with the community and recognition of the importance of working people in our legal system. On the other, judges must remain ever mindful of the ethical boundaries that preserve judicial independence and impartiality. The integrity of the judiciary depends not only on fair decisions, but on the public’s confidence that those decisions are made without obligation or bias.
From my experience, the key lies in transparency and restraint. Judicial candidates can listen, learn, and share their commitment to the rule of law, but should never make promises that would compromise their role on the bench. Labor organizations, like all stakeholders, are entitled to evaluate candidates based on their records, temperament, and adherence to legal principles. No endorsing body or financial contributor should expect favors, or the assurance of any particular outcomes.
This dynamic underscores a broader truth about labor and employment law: it is not confined to statutes and case law, but lives within the institutions and people who apply it. Judges, like the workers and employers who appear before them, are part of the same civic fabric.
As we navigate each election cycle, maintaining an ethical balance—between engagement and independence—is essential. It ensures that our courts remain a place where every party, regardless of affiliation or endorsement, can expect and be assured of fairness, neutrality, and justice under the law.
About the author
Chief Judge Jerry Wiese serves in Department 30 of the Eighth Judicial District Court. Since taking the bench in January 2011, Judge Wiese has presided over numerous trials, both civil and criminal, and has presided over many settlement conferences. He coordinates the Judicial Settlement Conference Program. He was elected Chief Judge by his peers and has served as the Chief Judge of the District Court since July 2022.
About the article
This article was originally published in the Communiqué (May 2026), the official publication of the Clark County Bar Association. See https://clarkcountybar.org/about/member-benefits/communique-2026/communique-may-2026/.
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