The legal community in Las Vegas is mourning the loss of Jackie Glass a former Clark County judge who made significant contributions to the justice system. Glass, who was married to current Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson passed away on a Friday afternoon, leaving behind a legacy that spanned decades.
Glass was not only a respected jurist but also a beloved figure in the community. She is survived by her husband and two daughters, Rebecca Wolfson a municipal court judge, and Rachel Wolfson who shared her grief on social media, expressing the profound impact her mother had on her life.
The Simpson Trial and Other Notable Cases
Glass gained national attention in 2008 when she presided over the trial of O.J. Simpson who was charged with armed robbery and kidnapping. Her decisive rulings and sentencing of Simpson to nine to 33 years in prison showcased her commitment to justice. Simpson was released on parole in 2017 and passed away in 2026.
Throughout her career, Glass handled several high-profile cases, including the trial of Craig Titus and Kelly Ryan who were accused of murdering their assistant in 2005. She also oversaw the case of Ae Kwon who was accused of attempting to extort René Angélil the late husband of Celine Dion.
A Transition to Television and Mediation
After retiring from the bench in 2011, Glass took on a new role as the host of the courtroom show Swift Justice with Jackie Glass replacing Nancy Grace. The show, which moved production from Atlanta to Los Angeles, allowed Glass to continue her work in the legal field while reaching a broader audience.
In her later years, Glass worked as a mediator for Advanced Resolution Management using her extensive experience to help resolve disputes outside the courtroom. Her transition from the bench to television and mediation highlighted her versatility and dedication to the legal profession.
Tributes from the Legal Community
The passing of Glass has elicited heartfelt tributes from various figures in the legal community. Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley expressed her sorrow on social media, stating that she felt like she had lost a sister. Berkley praised Glass’s accomplishments over the past 50 years and extended her condolences to Glass’s family.
U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto also offered her condolences, describing Glass as an inspiring role model who fought for justice. David Roger a former Clark County District Attorney, recalled Glass’s ability to maintain focus during high-profile trials, such as the Simpson case, which he described as a three-ring circus.
Other legal professionals, including David Chesnoff and Lisa Rasmussen praised Glass’s practical approach to the law and her ability to resolve disputes effectively. Tony Sgro a longtime lawyer, noted Glass’s intelligence and respect for all parties involved in legal proceedings.
Clark County also released a statement expressing its condolences to Glass’s family, acknowledging her significant contributions to the justice system in southern Nevada. The county highlighted Glass’s role as a beloved wife and mother, emphasizing the personal impact of her loss.
