A handful of local judicial contests are on the November ballot

Prosecutor Conrad Hafen is challenging incumbent Tim Williams in District Court Department 16. Judge Williams is a new appointee with an expertise primarily in civil matters, whereas Mr. Hafen emphasizes he has prosecuted 30 jury trials, including a case in which he prevailed at the U.S. Supreme Court. The unassuming Judge Williams, who took a pay cut to leave private practice, has demonstrated a good work ethic. Voters can confidently retain Tim Williams.

In the District Court's new Department 22, Susan Johnson has been recommended by the bar's judicial nomination commission three times, but three times has fallen short of an appointment to the court. Those who have watched Ms. Johnson's work as an arbitrator say she is thorough and fair. Her opponent, Ron Israel, also has experience doing arbitration and short trials. Ron Israel would make a fine judge. In a close call, however, Susan Johnson's unquenchable enthusiasm for the office wins out.

The District Court Department 23 race finds local attorney Bill Henderson facing off against longtime law clerk Elizabeth Halverson. There's little doubt the common-sense, plainspoken Mr. Henderson could creditably handle this office, but our nod this time goes to Ms. Halverson, a strict constructionist on the Constitution, who favors minimal government intrusion in people's lives. What she lacks is much actual courtroom experience. On balance, though, Elizabeth Halverson deserves a chance on the bench.

Seeking re-election after six years as justice of the peace in Las Vegas' Department 8, Ann Zimmerman is a likeable and common-sense incumbent who's even willing to admit she made a "newbie mistake" some years back when she ordered this newspaper not to publish information that had already been presented in open court -- a form of restraint clearly barred by the First Amendment. Ann Zimmerman defies the stereotype of the stuffy, high-handed judge. Her wealth of experience in criminal law merits a strong endorsement.

For Las Vegas justice of the peace in Department 10, Abbi Silver is willing to take a $7,000 pay cut to move from her current post in Las Vegas Municipal Court. Ms. Silver is smart and energetic. Her opponent, former insurance claims adjuster Kenneth Pollock, cannot rival Ms. Silver's experience. The clear choice here is Abbi Silver.

In the race for North Las Vegas Justice of the peace in Department 2, Deputy District Attorney Chris Lee is challenging incumbent Natalie Tyrrell. Attorneys responding to the Review-Journal's annual judicial survey note Judge Tyrrell's weak understanding of the law and of evidentiary rules. Others complain she is "out of her depth as a judge." It's time to see if Chris Lee can do better in North Las Vegas.

Bob Lueck is seeking to return to Family Court in Department M. He was sent home by voters in 2004, an election that he calls "the big cheat of 2004," asserting the Republican Judicial Caucus inappropriately sent out mailers in favor of his opponent. Voters for Family Court would do better with common-sense family law attorney William Potter, who opposes sealing cases from public scrutiny and who vows to calmly explain the law and "keep these cases moving along."