Full Breakdown
Former Nevada Judge Jackie Glass Dies at 70
8/30/2026, 3:55:18 AM
Core Event: Passing of a Pioneering Jurist
Former Clark County District Court Judge Jackie Glass died on a Friday at age 70, according to statements from her family and local officials. Glass was the wife of Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson and the mother of municipal court Judge Rebecca Wolfson and attorney Rachel Wolfson.
Background & Context
Glass earned her law degree from the University of San Diego in 1984 after working as a court reporter for KTNV-TV. She was elected to the Eighth Judicial District Court in 2002 and served from 2003 until her retirement in 2011. During her tenure she presided over several high-profile cases, most notably the 2008 robbery and kidnapping trial of former NFL star O.J. Simpson, who was sentenced to nine to 33 years in prison. She also oversaw the 2005 murder trial of bodybuilders Craig Titus and Kelly Ryan and an extortion case involving Ae Kwon and René Angélil. After leaving the bench, Glass hosted the courtroom television program Swift Justice with Jackie Glass and later worked as a mediator for Advanced Resolution Management.
Data & Statistics
- Sentencing of O.J. Simpson: 9 to 33 years imprisonment.
- Judicial service: 8 years on the Eighth Judicial District Court (2003-2011).
- Age at death: 70 years.
- Key dates:
- October 3, 2008 – Simpson convicted on all robbery counts.
- May 25, 2011 – Glass announced her resignation.
- September 12, 2011 – First episode of “Swift Justice with Jackie Glass” aired.
Official Statements & Responses
Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley posted on X that she felt she had “lost a sister,” recalling a half-century of shared legal practice.
U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) praised Glass’s contributions to the state’s judiciary.
Defense attorney David Chesnoff described Glass as a “pioneer” who tackled every task with “vigor and enthusiasm.”
Long-time lawyer Tony Sgro said the community “suffered a great loss today,” emphasizing her intelligence and collegiality.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Earlier in this case, at a bail hearing, I asked — said — to Mr. Simpson I didn’t know if he was arrogant or ignorant or both. And during the trial and through this proceeding, I got this answer, and it was both,” — Jackie Glass, Clark County judge
- “I am heartbroken and feel like I have lost a sister with the passing of Jackie Glass,” — Shelley Berkley, Las Vegas mayor
Impact and Legacy
Glass’s sentencing of Simpson remains a defining moment in Nevada’s criminal-justice history, illustrating the court’s willingness to impose substantial penalties in high-profile cases. Her later work as a mediator and television host broadened public understanding of courtroom procedures. Colleagues highlighted her blend of firmness and approachability, traits that helped shape the Southern Nevada legal landscape.
