CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - The Nevada Supreme Court has upheld a $50,000 defamation judgment against a former Clark County judge.
Justices on Wednesday rejected an appeal by Elizabeth Halverson seeking to overturn the damages awarded to her former assistant, Ileen Spoor.
Spoor sued the judge in 2007. She claimed Halverson defamed her with reports to police and media that Spoor was conducting an illegal ticket-fixing operation and was arranging for friends to avoid jury duty.
Halverson was found liable a year ago by District Judge David Wall after failing to show up for court appearances. Wednesday's decision upholds Wall's ruling.
Halverson was removed from the bench in 2008 by the Nevada Judicial Discipline Commission for mishandling trials, mistreating staff and falling asleep on the bench.
She is permanently barred from serving as a judge.
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