LAS VEGAS, Nev. — The legal community, colleagues, and television audiences across the United States are mourning the passing of Jacqueline “Jackie” Glass, the former Clark County District Court judge, respected mediator, and television personality who died on August 28, 2026, at the age of 70.
Judge Glass built a remarkable career that spanned decades in the courtroom, earning national recognition for her intelligence, integrity, and unwavering commitment to justice. She became one of Nevada’s most recognizable judges after presiding over the high-profile 2008 armed robbery and kidnapping trial of O.J. Simpson in Las Vegas, a case that drew worldwide attention and cemented her place in American legal history.
Born on November 12, 1955, Jackie Glass devoted her professional life to the law. After graduating from the University of San Diego School of Law, she began her career as a prosecutor before spending years in private practice as a criminal defense attorney. Her experience on both sides of the courtroom gave her a reputation for fairness, preparation, and deep knowledge of the legal system.
In 2002, Glass was appointed to Nevada’s Eighth Judicial District Court in Clark County. During her time on the bench, she became known for running an orderly courtroom while treating every case with seriousness and impartiality. Attorneys, court staff, and fellow judges respected her no-nonsense approach and her dedication to ensuring justice was served.
Her greatest national spotlight came during the trial of former football star O.J. Simpson, who was convicted in 2008 of armed robbery and kidnapping related to an incident at a Las Vegas hotel. Judge Glass sentenced Simpson to 33 years in prison, a decision that became one of the most widely discussed moments of her judicial career.
After retiring from the bench in 2011, Glass transitioned into television, succeeding Nancy Grace as the host of the nationally syndicated courtroom series Swift Justice with Jackie Glass. The show introduced her legal expertise to millions of viewers, showcasing the same decisive, thoughtful style that had defined her years as a judge.
Beyond television, Glass continued serving the legal profession as a mediator and arbitrator, helping resolve complex disputes outside the courtroom. She also remained active in legal education and community service, mentoring attorneys and supporting initiatives aimed at improving access to justice.
Judge Glass is survived by her husband, Steve Wolfson, the longtime Clark County District Attorney, along with family members, friends, and countless colleagues whose lives she influenced throughout her distinguished career.
Tributes from across Nevada and the broader legal community remember Jackie Glass as a trailblazer whose impact extended well beyond the courtroom. She is being honored not only for the landmark cases she presided over, but for her professionalism, compassion, sharp wit, and dedication to public service.
Jackie Glass leaves behind a lasting legacy in American law, television, and the Nevada justice system. May she rest in peace, and may her family, friends, colleagues, and all who admired her find comfort in remembering a life devoted to justice and service.