Justice orders response to judge

CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Supreme Court has asked a state panel to respond to a petition filed by suspended Clark County District Judge Elizabeth Halverson seeking reinstatement to the bench because disciplinary proceedings against her are moving too slowly.

The Judicial Discipline Commission, which initiated formal disciplinary proceedings against Halverson on Jan. 7, was given 30 days to respond to the petition filed by her attorneys on Jan. 4.

The order directing an answer was filed by the Supreme Court on Thursday and signed by Vice Chief Justice Bill Maupin. It states that Halverson has set forth "issues of arguable merit" in seeking to have all pending charges against her dropped because of the delays in pursuing the formal charges.

The Supreme Court on Nov. 1 upheld a decision by the Judicial Discipline Commission to temporarily bar Halverson from her duties over allegations of bizarre behavior, including mistreating staff members, sleeping during trials and having illegal communication with jurors.

But the court also warned the commission to move forward quickly with formal proceedings.

Halverson's petition claims the commission did not move forward quickly enough.

The commission filed the formal charges just days after her petition was filed with the Supreme Court seeking dismissal of all pending charges because of the delays.

Halverson, who has been suspended from her duties since July 25, has filed for re-election.