Finalists named to fill high court seat

The names of three lawyers - one of them a sitting judge in Las Vegas - have been forwarded to Gov. Kenny Guinn as candidates to replace Myron Leavitt on the Nevada Supreme Court.

Leavitt died unexpectedly in January.

The Commission on Judicial Selection met soon afterward to begin considering who will replace him until the next general election.

After reviewing applications from seven prominent Nevada lawyers, the commission narrowed the list to three: Clark County District Judge Michael L. Douglas, 55, of Las Vegas, Gregory E. Smith, 57, of Las Vegas, and David H. Hamilton, 61, of Reno.

To serve on the Nevada Supreme Court, one must be a lawyer and in good standing with the Nevada Bar.

Under Nevada law, the list of three is submitted to the governor who makes the decision which person to appoint. Guinn's Press Secretary Greg Bortolin said the governor plans to interview each of the candidates and make a decision soon after.

Also under Nevada law, the appointment lasts until the next general election. In this case, that means if the appointee wishes to remain on the bench, he will have to run for election this year. The appointment will expire in January 2005.