On Monday, May 4, 2026, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that the upcoming race for a seat on the Clark County Family Court bench is marked by controversy, as the three candidates vying for Department P have all faced disciplinary issues or legal troubles in the past.

Incumbent Judge Mary Perry, an Air Force veteran seeking to retain her seat, was previously censured for misconduct, including an instance where she questioned a litigant’s mental state during a divorce and custody hearing. Challenger Jennifer Isso, a family attorney based in Henderson, received a stayed suspension from the State Bar of Nevada in April. Kurt Smith, also a Henderson-based private practitioner, was reprimanded in 2018 for mishandling funds and spent a night in jail in 2015 for attempting to evade jury duty.

Alex Falconi, the founding director of Our Nevada Judges, a nonprofit focused on judicial transparency, noted the unusual number of candidates with disciplinary records this election cycle. He suggested that these issues could impact voters if they are aware of the candidates’ pasts.

Videos of Jennifer Isso’s courtroom appearances have circulated on social media since she filed for the Department P race. One video shows her shouting and interrupting a Family Court judge, while another depicts her in tears and complaining about being sanctioned.

Isso’s disciplinary case included complaints from judges and clients, alleging misconduct such as bringing a child to court, speaking out of turn, and making personal attacks against opposing counsel. The Nevada Supreme Court imposed a six-month suspension, stayed in favor of 18 months of probation, during which she must undergo counseling and work with a mentor.

Isso stated that her “being too honest” led to the disciplinary actions and acknowledged raising her voice as an advocate. She believes the counseling will be beneficial if she becomes a judge, allowing her to listen to litigants’ concerns. Isso also criticized Judge Perry’s approach, claiming her clients have left the courtroom in tears.

Judge Perry defended her “hard” approach, stating that her job is to make difficult decisions and enforce orders. She acknowledged her military background influences her style. Perry was among the Family Court judges with a retention score lower than 50 percent in the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s 2025 Judicial Performance Evaluation and had the highest error rate among her peers. Despite this, she said that most of the family bar supports her and needs her on the bench.

Kurt Smith decided to run after Judge Perry’s poor performance in the judicial retention poll and Isso’s entry into the race. He described Perry as temperamental and often erroneous and emphasized the need for a judge with a calm demeanor.

Smith was publicly reprimanded in 2018 for commingling funds. In 2015, he spent a night in jail after being held in contempt for his behavior during jury duty selection. Smith claimed he was not trying to avoid jury duty but was struggling to reschedule hearings. He contrasted his past with Perry’s, stating he got in trouble for trying to help clients, while she was criticized for abusing those appearing before her. He also criticized Isso’s behavior as verbally abusive and confrontational.

 

 

Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal