Judge Jackie Glass was an American attorney, journalist, television host, mediator and former Nevada district court judge who became nationally known for presiding over the 2008 criminal trial of former NFL star O.J. Simpson. Glass sentenced Simpson to 9 to 33 years in prison after he was convicted in connection with the armed robbery of sports memorabilia at a Las Vegas hotel.
Before becoming a judge, Glass spent years working in journalism and later practised law for 18 years. She was elected to the Eighth Judicial District Court in Clark County in 2002 and served on the bench for more than eight years, handling both criminal and civil cases.
After retiring from the judiciary in 2011, Glass returned to television as the host of Swift Justice with Jackie Glass, taking over from Nancy Grace for the programme’s second and final season. She subsequently built a career as a mediator, arbitrator, consultant and private judge, continuing to work in the legal field until her later years.
Judge Jackie Glass Profile Summary
| Fact | Details |
| Full name | Jackie Glass |
| Born | 1956 |
| Age at death | 70 years old |
| Died | August 28, 2026 |
| Place of death | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Judge, attorney, journalist, television host, mediator and arbitrator |
| Education | University of Georgia; University of San Diego School of Law |
| Journalism degree | Bachelor of Arts in Journalism |
| Law degree | Juris Doctor |
| Husband | Steve Wolfson |
| Children | Two daughters |
| Daughters | Rebecca Wolfson and Rachel Wolfson |
| Best known for | Presiding over O.J. Simpson’s 2008 criminal trial |
| Television show | Swift Justice with Jackie Glass |
| Judicial court | Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada |
| Years as judge | 2003–2011 |
| Previous career | Journalist and attorney |
| Cause of death | Not publicly disclosed |
| Height | Not reliably documented |
Judge Jackie Glass Early Life
Jackie Glass developed her first professional identity in journalism before entering the legal profession. She moved to Las Vegas after completing her undergraduate studies and began working as a radio news reporter at KORK-AM 920.
She later moved into television journalism, joining KTNV-TV Channel 13 as a reporter before becoming a news anchor. Much of her reporting focused on crime and the courts, giving her firsthand exposure to the legal system and criminal proceedings.
Her experience covering crime stories eventually influenced her decision to become a lawyer. Rather than remaining in broadcasting, Glass decided to pursue legal education, beginning a second professional path that would eventually lead her to the Nevada judiciary.
Judge Jackie Glass Education
Jackie Glass graduated from the University of Georgia in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism. Her journalism education provided the foundation for her initial career in radio and television news.
After working as a journalist and regularly covering crime and court proceedings, Glass decided to pursue a legal career. She enrolled at the University of San Diego School of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctor degree in 1984.
Her combination of journalism and legal education became an important part of her professional identity. Her experience in broadcasting later proved useful when she presided over the highly publicised O.J. Simpson case, as she understood both the courtroom and the intense demands of media coverage.
Judge Jackie Glass Career
Jackie Glass began her legal career in private practice after receiving her law degree in 1984. She worked in several legal positions before becoming a partner at Wolfson & Glass, a criminal-defence and personal-injury law firm she established with her husband, Steve Wolfson.
Glass spent approximately 18 years as a litigator before entering the judiciary. Her legal experience covered both civil and criminal matters, giving her a broad foundation for the work she would later undertake as a district court judge.
In 2002, Glass was elected to the Eighth Judicial District Court in Clark County. She began serving on the bench in 2003 and remained there until her retirement in May 2011, handling both civil and criminal cases during her judicial career.
Judge Jackie Glass and the O.J. Simpson Trial
Jackie Glass became nationally famous when she presided over Nevada v. O.J. Simpson in 2008. The case involved Simpson and several other men who had been accused of entering a Las Vegas hotel room and taking sports memorabilia from a dealer.
Simpson was convicted on all counts in October 2008. Glass subsequently sentenced him to 9 to 33 years in prison, with the possibility of parole after nine years.
The case transformed Glass from a Nevada judge into a nationally recognised public figure. Her courtroom decisions, demeanour and statements during the proceedings received extensive media attention, and she became one of the most recognisable judges associated with the Simpson case.
Judge Jackie Glass and the Nevada Judiciary
Glass’s judicial career extended well beyond the Simpson case. She was involved in the leadership of the Eighth Judicial District Court and worked on programmes designed to address complex issues within the criminal justice system.
She helped establish the Clark County Mental Health Court in 2003, an initiative designed to improve the way the criminal justice system handled defendants affected by mental illness. She also established a competency task force that ultimately contributed to the creation of the Clark County Competency Court in 2005.
During her final year on the bench, Glass oversaw Clark County’s drug and alcohol treatment courts. Her work in specialty courts became an important part of her judicial legacy beyond the high-profile Simpson trial.
Judge Jackie Glass and Swift Justice
After retiring from the bench in 2011, Glass returned to her earlier broadcasting career by becoming the host of the syndicated courtroom television programme ** Swift Justice with Jackie Glass **.
Glass replaced Nancy Grace as host for the show’s second and final season. The programme featured real disputes from around the United States, with participants agreeing to have their cases resolved through televised binding arbitration.
The programme ran from 2011 to 2012 and gave Glass another national platform. Her television career was unusual because she had moved from journalism into law and then returned to broadcasting after becoming a judge.
Judge Jackie Glass as Mediator and Arbitrator
Following the end of Swift Justice, Glass returned to the legal profession through private dispute resolution. She worked as a mediator, arbitrator, consultant and private judge, using her decades of experience in litigation and on the bench to help resolve complex disputes.
She joined Private Trials in 2012 before moving to Advanced Resolution Management in 2015. Her work covered a wide range of legal areas, including personal injury, business disputes, employment, insurance, medical malpractice and professional liability.
Glass remained active in dispute resolution for many years after retiring from the judiciary. Her later career demonstrated that her professional life was not defined solely by the O.J. Simpson case.
Judge Jackie Glass Trending: Why Is Judge Jackie Glass Famous?
Judge Jackie Glass is attracting renewed attention following her death at the age of 70 on August 28, 2026, in Las Vegas. Her death was announced by her daughter Rachel Wolfson, prompting tributes from family members and figures in Nevada’s legal and political communities.
Glass is best known for sentencing O.J. Simpson to 9 to 33 years in prison in 2008 after he was convicted in the Las Vegas armed robbery case. The case remains one of the most famous criminal proceedings in Las Vegas history and became the defining moment of Glass’s public career.
Her death has also renewed interest in her unusual career path. She began as a journalist, became a lawyer and judge, hosted a nationally syndicated courtroom programme and later worked as a mediator and arbitrator, giving her a professional career that crossed journalism, law, television and alternative dispute resolution.
Judge Jackie Glass Cause of Death and Death
Judge Jackie Glass died on August 28, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the age of 70. Her daughter Rachel Wolfson announced her death in an emotional social-media tribute, describing Glass as her mother and “rock.”
As of the latest available reports, the cause of Jackie Glass’s death has not been publicly disclosed. Her family did not announce a specific illness or medical condition, and authorities had not publicly identified a cause of death.
There have also been no credible reports establishing foul play. Because no official cause has been released, it would be inappropriate to speculate about how Glass died.
Judge Jackie Glass Personal Life
Jackie Glass was married to Steve Wolfson, a longtime Nevada attorney who became Clark County District Attorney. The couple also shared a professional history, having established the law firm Wolfson & Glass before Glass entered the judiciary.
Glass and Wolfson had two daughters, Rebecca Wolfson and Rachel Wolfson. Rebecca followed her mother’s path into law and became a municipal court judge, while Rachel became a comedian and stunt performer known for her work in the Jackass franchise.
Glass maintained a strong connection to the Las Vegas community throughout her professional life. Although much of her public identity came from her work as a judge and television personality, her family remained an important part of her life, and her daughter Rachel publicly announced her death in August 2026.
Judge Jackie Glass Age, Religion, Nationality, Height and Physical Appearance
Judge Jackie Glass was born in 1956 and died on August 28, 2026, at the age of 70. Her exact date of birth has not been reliably established in the major public sources available following her death.
Glass was American and built virtually her entire professional career in Nevada. She moved to Las Vegas after graduating from the University of Georgia and subsequently became one of the city’s most recognisable legal figures.
Her religion has not been reliably documented in authoritative public biographies. Her exact height and detailed physical measurements have also not been reliably published. Glass was best known publicly for her professional appearance as a judge, attorney and television host rather than for her physical characteristics.
Judge Jackie Glass Social Media Presence
Jackie Glass was not known for maintaining a major public social-media presence herself. Much of the online attention surrounding her came through news coverage, her professional organisations and posts from members of her family.
Following her death, her daughter Rachel Wolfson shared an emotional tribute on social media announcing the loss. The post helped confirm Glass’s death to the public and prompted widespread tributes.
No verified public Instagram handle for Jackie Glass has been reliably established, so no specific account is attributed to her.
Judge Jackie Glass Net Worth
Jackie Glass’s exact net worth was not publicly disclosed. Despite having a long and successful career in law, the judiciary, television and private dispute resolution, there is no verified public figure establishing the total value of her personal assets.
Glass had several significant professional income sources throughout her career. She worked as a lawyer for approximately 18 years, served as a district court judge, hosted a nationally syndicated television programme and later worked as a mediator, arbitrator, consultant and private judge.
Because her salary history, investments, property holdings and estate value were not publicly disclosed, a reliable personal net-worth figure cannot be calculated. Any specific figure published online should therefore be treated as an estimate rather than a confirmed valuation.
Judge Jackie Glass Legacy
Jackie Glass leaves behind a career that crossed journalism, law, the judiciary, television and dispute resolution. Her professional journey was unusual, beginning in broadcast journalism before she became an attorney and eventually a Nevada district court judge.
Her most famous judicial achievement was presiding over O.J. Simpson’s 2008 Las Vegas criminal trial and sentencing him to up to 33 years in prison. However, her broader contribution to Nevada’s justice system included helping establish mental-health and competency courts and working with specialty treatment programmes.
Glass also demonstrated that her career extended beyond one famous case. After retiring from the bench, she returned to television and later spent years helping resolve legal disputes as a mediator and arbitrator. Her combination of legal expertise, public service and broadcasting experience made her a distinctive figure in Nevada’s legal history.
Conclusion
Judge Jackie Glass was an American judge, attorney and former journalist whose extraordinary career took her from television news to private law practice, the Nevada judiciary and nationally syndicated television. She became internationally recognised after presiding over O.J. Simpson’s 2008 Las Vegas criminal trial and sentencing him to 9 to 33 years in prison, but her legacy extended far beyond that case through her work in mental-health and competency courts, television and private dispute resolution. Glass died in Las Vegas on August 28, 2026, at the age of 70, with her cause of death not publicly disclosed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Judge Jackie Glass
Who was Judge Jackie Glass?
Judge Jackie Glass was an American attorney, journalist, former Nevada district court judge, television host, mediator and arbitrator. She became nationally famous for presiding over O.J. Simpson’s 2008 Las Vegas criminal trial.
What was Judge Jackie Glass famous for?
Judge Jackie Glass was best known for sentencing O.J. Simpson to 9 to 33 years in prison in 2008 after he was convicted in the Las Vegas armed robbery case.
When did Judge Jackie Glass die?
Judge Jackie Glass died on August 28, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
How old was Judge Jackie Glass when she died?
Judge Jackie Glass was 70 years old when she died.
What was Judge Jackie Glass’s cause of death?
The cause of Jackie Glass’s death has not been publicly disclosed. Her family announced her death, but no specific cause was provided.
Was Judge Jackie Glass sick before her death?
No specific illness or publicly disclosed health condition has been identified in the reports surrounding her death. The cause of death remains undisclosed.
Who was Jackie Glass’s husband?
Jackie Glass was married to Steve Wolfson, an attorney and Clark County District Attorney.
Did Jackie Glass have children?
Yes. Jackie Glass and Steve Wolfson had two daughters, Rebecca Wolfson and Rachel Wolfson.
Who is Rachel Wolfson?
Rachel Wolfson is Jackie Glass’s daughter and an American comedian and stunt performer known for her work in the Jackass franchise.
Who is Rebecca Wolfson?
Rebecca Wolfson is Jackie Glass’s daughter and a Las Vegas municipal court judge.
Where did Jackie Glass study?
Jackie Glass earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Georgia in 1978 and a Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law in 1984.
Was Jackie Glass a journalist?
Yes. Before becoming a lawyer and judge, Jackie Glass worked as a radio and television journalist in Las Vegas. She worked at KORK-AM 920 and later KTNV-TV Channel 13.
Was Jackie Glass a lawyer?
Yes. Jackie Glass practised law for approximately 18 years before becoming a judge. She also founded the law firm Wolfson & Glass with her husband.
When did Jackie Glass become a judge?
Jackie Glass was elected to the Eighth Judicial District Court in Clark County in 2002 and served on the bench from 2003 until her retirement in 2011.
How long was Jackie Glass a judge?
Jackie Glass served as a Nevada district court judge for more than eight years, retiring in May 2011.
What court did Jackie Glass serve on?
Jackie Glass served on the Eighth Judicial District Court in Clark County, Nevada.
What sentence did Jackie Glass give O.J. Simpson?
Jackie Glass sentenced O.J. Simpson to 9 to 33 years in prison after his conviction in the 2008 Las Vegas armed robbery case.
Why did Jackie Glass sentence O.J. Simpson?
Glass sentenced Simpson after he was convicted of charges arising from the armed robbery of sports memorabilia at a Las Vegas hotel. Simpson and other men had entered the hotel room of sports memorabilia dealer Bruce Fromong.
Was Jackie Glass the judge in O.J. Simpson’s murder trial?
No. Jackie Glass was not the judge in Simpson’s 1995 California murder trial. She presided over his 2008 Las Vegas armed robbery case, which resulted in his imprisonment.
What happened to Jackie Glass after the O.J. Simpson trial?
Jackie Glass continued serving as a Nevada district court judge until retiring in 2011. She then became the host of Swift Justice with Jackie Glass before moving into mediation and arbitration.
What was Swift Justice with Jackie Glass?
Swift Justice with Jackie Glass was a syndicated courtroom television programme in which Glass handled real disputes through binding arbitration. She hosted the show’s second and final season from 2011 to 2012.
Did Jackie Glass replace Nancy Grace?
Yes. Jackie Glass replaced Nancy Grace as the host of Swift Justice for its second and final season.
What did Jackie Glass do after television?
After Swift Justice ended, Jackie Glass worked as a mediator, arbitrator, consultant and private judge, continuing her legal career through alternative dispute resolution.
What was Jackie Glass’s net worth?
Jackie Glass’s exact net worth was not publicly disclosed. Because her personal assets and estate value were not made public, there is no reliably verified figure for her net worth.
What was Jackie Glass’s nationality?
Jackie Glass was American.
What religion was Jackie Glass?
Jackie Glass’s specific religious affiliation has not been reliably documented in authoritative public sources.
How tall was Jackie Glass?
Jackie Glass’s exact height has not been reliably documented in authoritative public sources.
Did Jackie Glass have an Instagram account?
A verified public Instagram account belonging to Jackie Glass has not been reliably established.
What is Judge Jackie Glass’s legacy?
Jackie Glass’s legacy includes her work as a Nevada judge, her role in establishing specialty courts addressing mental health and competency, her handling of the O.J. Simpson case, her television career and her later work as a mediator and arbitrator.