Moapa Valley Progress

Lanny Waite

Moapa Valley Justice of the Peace Lanny Waite was recently recognized by the Supreme Court of Nevada with a Certificate of Distinguished Achievement In Judicial Achievement. This certificate is given to the few Nevada judges completing 640 hours of continuing judicial education.

The certificate stated that “Judge D. Lanny Waite having demonstrated approval and support of court improvement through continuing judicial education, has completed with honor and distinction the academic curriculum authorized by statute and prescribed by the Judicial Department of the State of Nevada.” The certificate commended Waite for his “…valuable personal contribution to improvement of the quality of the judiciary in the State of Nevada.”

Judges are required to complete 14 hours of continuing judicial education every year. This training is provided at judges conferences, the National Judicial College, and other judicial education and legal seminars nationwide. It includes such areas as rules of evidence and procedure, control of the courtroom, judicial demeanor, recent supreme court decisions affecting the courts, sentencing limits and guidelines, evictions and landlord tenant law.

Waite completed far more than the required hours. But he has also earned extra hours by teaching classes to fellow Nevada judges on such issues as DUI sentencing and inherent powers of the court as an independent branch of government.

Judge Waite has also been asked to speak to groups in Nevada and California on the challenges and benefits of the Moapa Valley Justice Court high school DUI program.

“Unlike many ‘mock court’ programs, we take a DUI trial directly to Moapa Valley High School juniors and seniors where they see and personally participate in the process,” Waite said. “Not only do the students participate in the legal system first hand, but they also see the consequences and dangers of drinking and driving.”

“This education and experience benefit the people of Moapa Valley directly by having a judge who has been trained to best protect the community in an appropriate and meaningful way without violating constitutional guidelines and individual rights,” Waite said.