DISTRICT COURT DEPARTMENT 14

Deputy city attorney Chris Davis is using a political spoof to capture the attention of an Internet audience in his attempt to unseat 29-year veteran judge Donald Mosley.

A video which surfaced on Davis' Web site earlier this month recounts the judge's various ethical struggles during his tenure on the Clark County District Court bench. It shows a caricature of Mosley responding to the accusations by repeatedly stating, "I'll be the judge of that."

The race for Department 14 is full of accusations: Mosley said Davis, an attorney for North Las Vegas, doesn't understand how the courts work or what the job entails; Davis contends that Mosley is a corrupt judge who mentally retired years ago.

"Our position is integrity matters," Davis said. "I've seen the effects on people all throughout nationally and locally because of the lack of integrity in the system. Judge Mosley has shown he is one of the biggest offenders."

Davis points to a scathing Los Angeles Times article that noted the judge loaned his girlfriend $10,000 from his campaign fund. Davis also noted that Mosley was fined $5,000 for seven ethical violations.

"People can't believe that he's still running and that there is anyone supporting him," Davis said. "Everybody at least privately tells me that they are glad I'm running. It's definitely time for Judge Mosley to leave the bench."

Mosley does not believe negative media reports will convince anybody that he is not the right person for the job. Mosley said his opponent's platform should be more substantial than simply restoring integrity into the system.

"His campaign involves painting a picture of corruption and misdeeds in the courtroom," Mosley said. "That's ridiculous. He says he loves his job, but is willing to give that up to come over to District Court and correct the ills."

Mosley said Davis fails to inform the public that he will receive a $40,000-a-year pay increase if he wins the judgeship.

Davis said rather he plans to improve the court's reputation by working from the top down. He believes if the public respects the courts, they won't think they can get away with lenient sentences for crimes committed.

He said a failure of District Court judges to dismiss meritless cases has contributed to the court's reputation as being unfair.

"I promise to look at all motions and decide them on their merits," Davis said. "If a judgment should be rewarding the party seeking to dismiss the case, then I'm going to do it. That will go a long ways in unclogging our court system."

Davis said he will also adjust the calendar to save both his time and attorneys' time. He said it is unnecessary for attorneys to have to appear at hearings just to recite what was said in motions filed with the court. He contends some judges often require attorneys to appear to increase their "face time."

"A lot of time is wasted for what is used for grandstanding, where judges are trying to ingratiate themselves with attorneys," he said. "Judges want to have face time with attorneys so the attorneys know who they are come election time. I'm in this job to be a judge, not a politician."

Mosley dismissed Davis's claims.

He said a grand jury hears evidence to determine whether a case has enough merit to go to trial. If the grand jury does not convene, a preliminary hearing is held to determine whether a trial is necessary.

"I don't think he has the foggiest notion of what this job entails," Mosley said. "This is one of the busiest trial courts in the Western United States and he has never tried a trial."

Mosley also scoffed at Davis' comments about being mentally retired. He said he receives the same caseload as his fellow judges.

"I come down here and do my job and I have for 30 years," Mosley said.

During the most recent Judicial Performance Evaluation survey conducted by the Review-Journal, Mosley received a 66 percent retention rating from attorneys who participated.

Martindale-Hubbell awarded Davis the highest rating for legal competence and ethical standards. He received his law degree from the University of Utah College of Law.

Mosley received his law degree from the Tulsa University School of Law.

Contact reporter Adrienne Packer at apacker@reviewjournal.com or 702-384-8710.