Judge race clouded by censure, suspension and a night in jail – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
Las Vegas – Voters in Clark County face a contentious race for Family Court Department P, where incumbent Judge Mary Perry seeks reelection amid challengers Jennifer Isso and Kurt Smith. Each candidate carries a history of professional discipline that has drawn scrutiny as mail-in ballots prepare to go out for the June primary. The contest, which handles sensitive divorce and child custody matters, underscores questions about judicial temperament and accountability in a court serving many self-represented litigants.[1][2]
Incumbent Perry’s Public Censure Draws Fire
Judge Mary Perry, first elected in 2020, agreed to a public censure in 2024 from the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline. The panel cited violations in two divorce cases where she used profanity, shouted at litigants, and made demeaning remarks such as asking one, “Are you psycho? That’s a yes or no?” and telling parents, “Your children deserve a hell of a lot better than both of you.”[3][1]
Perry admitted to breaching nine parts of the Nevada Code of Judicial Conduct, including failures to act impartially and with dignity. She completed remedial ethics training and avoided further suspension by staying on probation. The judge, an Air Force veteran, linked her behavior to side effects from breast cancer medication, which stabilized after about a year. Performance reviews added pressure: A 2025 Las Vegas Review-Journal evaluation gave her retention scores below 50 percent, and the Nevada Supreme Court found errors in 73 percent of 15 reviewed cases.[2]
Challenger Isso Faces Stayed Bar Suspension
Jennifer Isso, a Henderson family law attorney with a decade of experience, received discipline from the Nevada Supreme Court in April 2026. The court approved a six-month suspension, stayed in exchange for 18 months of probation that includes counseling and a mentor. Complaints from eight individuals, including judges and clients, detailed her courtroom disruptions: speaking out of turn, personal attacks on opposing counsel, and appearing on Zoom while driving or in a dentist’s chair.[1][2]
Videos circulating online captured Isso shouting during a remote hearing before Family Court Judge Bill Henderson and breaking down in tears while sanctioned. She admitted to lacking respect for the court and making false statements about specific judges. Isso, who runs Lowest Price Lawyers, described her approach as overly honest advocacy and pledged to apply lessons in restraint if elected. Her license remains active, preserving her eligibility for the bench.
Kurt Smith’s Contempt Case from a Decade Ago
Kurt Smith, founder of Smith Legal Group with nearly 20 years in family law, spent about 24 hours in jail in 2015 after a contempt finding. Selected for jury duty in a Henderson court, Smith muttered “Thanks a lot” audibly to District Judge Ronald Israel, who viewed it as disrespectful. Ordered to watch the trial or face jail, Smith chose the former but arrived 30 minutes late the next day, citing conflicts with his own hearings.[1]
Israel jailed him for 48 hours, though he served less as the trial concluded early. Smith explained he faced a dilemma between jury service and potential malpractice from missing scheduled matters. The judge referred the matter to the state bar, but prosecutors dismissed it. Smith has no other recorded discipline and positions himself as a steady alternative in the race.
Candidates Push Back on Past Missteps
Perry defended her record by emphasizing enforcement of court orders in a demanding docket. “I enforce my orders. I’m very rough with my orders. I’m military,” she said, noting support from much of the family law bar despite critics.[1] Isso critiqued Perry’s style, claiming it leaves clients in tears, while vowing to listen more as a judge. Smith called both opponents unfit – Perry temperamental and Isso abusive – and entered late as a “cool head” option after seeing Perry’s low poll numbers.[2]
Fundraising shows Perry ahead with about $43,000 raised in the first quarter, followed by Smith’s $35,000 (mostly self-loaned). Isso reported no contributions. Endorsements favor Perry, including from the Clark County Deputy Marshals Association and dozens of attorneys.
| Candidate | Incident | Date | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mary Perry | Disrespectful conduct, profanity | 2024 | Public censure, training, probation |
| Jennifer Isso | Courtroom disruptions, false statements | 2026 | 6-mo suspension stayed for probation |
| Kurt Smith | Contempt during jury duty | 2015 | ~24 hours in jail |
Voters must weigh experience against temperament in a primary where a majority vote clinches the seat outright. Family court decisions affect vulnerable families, amplifying the stakes of past behaviors. Awareness groups like Our Nevada Judges urge scrutiny of these red flags.
The primary tests Clark County residents’ priorities for the bench handling high-stakes family disputes. While all three tout their expertise, their disciplinary histories invite deliberation on fitness for lifelong roles. As ballots arrive, the race remains a reminder that judicial elections demand attention to records beyond campaign promises.
