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Reno-Based Judicial College Teaches, Supports Judges

The Reno-based National Judicial College provides continuing education to the nation’s sitting judges — and stands strong for an independent judiciary.

Earlier this year, the college named Benes Aldana as its new president. Previously he had served as chief judge for the Coast Guard, hearing courts martial and other cases against service members.

Along with deep dives into the law, classes at the judicial college teach jurists on a wide variety of issues that affect the justice system. These range from how judges can cope with the stress of their solitary jobs or how the courts can address the opioid epidemic.

Aldana said judges see opioid cases all the time and therefore need to be part of the solution.

“At the end of the day, judges who deal with these issues should be able to craft solutions on how to identify treatment options. How to craft sentences that both up hold the law and bring about a positive change in the user”

Another issue of concern at the college is promoting respect for the judiciary in today’s political environment.

“It’s OK to criticize a judge’s decision. In fact, they are criticized, and they’re appealed, and argued,” Aldana said, but “when judges are personally attacked. It is really attacking these bedrock principles” of judicial independence.

Aldana said that while a judge needs to focus on the facts of a case in front of them he or she also needs to "care about the perception of justice" and the "perception of fairness." The college also offers courses on implicit bias and how it can impact someone who is supposed to be impartial.

“All of us as judges bring in our own experience to the bench, but sometimes we just need to be aware of those biases and how they may affect our decisions,” he said.

Aldana said the college is developing a new strategic plan that includes giving the 54-year-old institution a higher profile in Nevada and around the country.

Benes Aldana, president, National Judicial College

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With deep experience in journalism, politics, and the nonprofit sector, news producer Doug Puppel has built strong connections statewide that benefit the Nevada Public Radio audience.