Douglas announces bid for re-election to high court

Justice Michael Douglas on Wednesday announced he will seek a full six-year term on the Nevada Supreme Court.

He was first appointed to the post following the death of Justice Myron Leavitt in March 2004. Douglas ran for the seat in November 2004 and served two years to fill out Leavitt's term.

Now, he said, he is seeking a full term on the bench.

"We have made incredible strides in creating a more efficient and effective court, but we can do better," he said.

He said that includes streamlining the processing of appeals and fast-tracking child custody appeals.

He said he believes the judicial branch can also strengthen the education of judges, especially in handling of medical malpractice, domestic violence and death penalty cases.

Douglas is the first black person to sit on the Nevada Supreme Court. Before his appointment by Gov. Kenny Guinn, he served since 1996 as a Clark County District Judge and, prior to that, worked in the civil division of the Clark County District Attorney's Office.