The program this morning was Reno Sunrise member Jim Van Winkle sharing with us some thoughts about his 15 years as a Reno Municipal Court judge. Jim feels that the justice and the municipal courts should be merged into the District courts so that there is only one court system. And he feels that judges should not have to run for reelection against opponents. In a number of states at the end of a judge's term they are on the ballot and the voter selects either retain or remove the judge.
Jim talked about alternative courts. These are courts that are focused on a specific problem/issue such as substance abuse or mental health issues or veterans dealing with PTSD. And he said that several times he had someone come up to him when he was not in court and thank him for the help they received in an alternative court.
He also talked about some of the people he delt with in court. Unfortunately, it was not uncommon for someone to return to court and be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Jim served as a judge for 15 years and enjoyed it.