Former Justice Bob Rose Receives First Legacy of Justice Award

Thursday, 07 May 2009 07:55

Former Nevada Supreme Court Justice Bob Rose was presented the first annual Legacy of Justice award in a Law Day ceremony on the steps of the Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas.
Justice Rose was the unanimous choice for the initial award to a member of the judiciary whose contributions have promoted progress and excellence in the court system.

In presenting the award on May 1, Justice Nancy Saitta called Justice Rose a "pioneer in judicial progress."

The plaque she presented honored Justice Rose "for his contributions during his public service career that have resulted in significant and innovative improvements in the justice system to the benefit of the citizens of Nevada."

Justice Rose served three terms on the Supreme Court following two years on the District Court bench in Clark County. He retired at the end of 2006 and has been serving as a senior judge and justice since then.

Justice Saitta noted that each of the three times Justice Rose served as Chief Justice, "he embraced the opportunity to push for innovative and progressive reforms."

“Justice Rose was the first Chief Justice to exercise the Supreme Court's constitutional role as the authoritative head of the judicial branch,” she said, recalling that in 1993, Justice Rose ordered that all Nevada courts be closed for one full day so judges could attend a day of education about domestic violence.

Justice Saitta also stated that Justice Rose:

Promoted the use of technology to make Nevada’s court system more effective and more responsive;
Established the Urban Workload Assessment Commission, which became known as the Rose Commission, to take a broad look at the judiciary and make recommendations for improvements;
Worked tirelessly to ensure that those who represent themselves in court have as much access as possible. His efforts resulted in numerous standardized forms on court websites or at self-help centers.
Co-chaired the Jury Improvement Commission, which helped raise juror pay and gave jurors the right to ask questions of witnesses during trial; and
Promoted a court order in 1999 that requires every court in Nevada to keep and report statistics about their caseloads and court operations.

Eighth Judicial District Judge Elizabeth Gonzalez commented that when Justice Rose was Nevada Lieutenant Govern in the mid-1970s, "he had a unique opportunity to stand up for the equality of women."

That was when the Equal Rights Amendment was at issue in the Nevada Legislature. In the Senate, it was a tie vote and, as Lieutenant Governor, he cast the tie-breaking vote.

"He stood up for his beliefs and voted in favor of the Equal Rights Amendment," Judge Gonzalez said. “That is a legacy he should be proud of."

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