On Thursday, July 25, 2024, KTNV | Channel 13 News Las Vegas reported that Family Court Judge Mary Perry of Las Vegas is facing discipline from the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline for a pattern of misconduct in handling divorce and child custody cases.
According to records obtained by KTNV, the Commission found multiple instances where Judge Perry violated the state’s code of judicial conduct in ways that undermined public confidence in her ability to be fair and impartial in ruling on cases.
In one divorce and child custody case between parties who weren’t named, Judge Perry admitted to using profanity and making demeaning and insulting remarks directed at both parents in the case. She also improperly set aside a divorce decree that had already been approved by a senior judge and refused to allow arguments regarding the decision. Audio recordings reviewed by the Commission captured Judge Perry yelling and swearing at the father involved. At one point, she asked one parent, “Are you a psycho? That’s a yes or no.” Judge Perry also made alarming statements about taking custody of the couple’s children away from both parents.
In another divorce case, the Commission found Judge Perry displayed hostility toward one party and appeared visibly agitated and angry. She refused requests to allow testimony or arguments from those involved. After the divorce was settled, Judge Perry disclosed on the record which side she would have ruled in favor of, purportedly to prevent possible future bankruptcy fraud regarding property division. However, the Commission noted she had no legal basis to disclose this and the information should have remained confidential.
The Commission also reviewed a video where Judge Perry complained about her computer being slow, saying, “I think it wants a man’s fingers. This must be a female or something because it fights me constantly.”
While Judge Perry admitted to improper and unprofessional conduct to the Commission, she claimed her behavior may have partly been due to medications she was taking for undisclosed health conditions.
As a result of the findings, Judge Perry agreed to a public censure and a 30-day suspension without pay, though the suspension was stayed for one year during which she would be on probation and undergo remedial training.
According to her biography on the District Court website, Judge Perry has served as a Family Court judge in Las Vegas since 2021. She is a veteran who spent 8.5 years in the U.S. Air Force and obtained her law degree from UNLV. Her term on the bench is set to end on January 4, 2027.
In a statement provided to KTNV, Judge Perry said, “I have gained new insight from my experience with the commission. I intend to use this experience to enhance my skills to preside over challenging cases and better serve families in our community.”
Source: KTNV | Channel 13 News Las Vegas
