Jackie Glass, Judge Who Sentenced O.J. Simpson and Hosted 'Swift Justice,' Dies at 70

Jackie Glass, a prominent Nevada jurist and television personality best known for presiding over the 2008 trial of O.J. Simpson and hosting the syndicated program Swift Justice, died on August 28, 2026, in Las Vegas. She was 70 years old. Her passing was confirmed by her family and multiple news outlets, including The Hollywood Reporter and FOX5 Vegas.

Early Life and Education

Jacqueline Glass was born circa 1956. She pursued an initial career in communications, graduating from the University of Georgia with a degree in journalism in 1978. Shortly after graduation, she moved to Las Vegas, where she worked as a radio news reporter for KORK-AM 920 and later as a reporter and anchor for KTNV-TV Channel 13. Her experience covering crime and the legal system inspired her to transition into the field of law. She earned her Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law in 1984, as noted by Times Now World.

Judicial and Media Career

Before ascending to the bench, Glass spent 18 years as a litigator in private practice. In 2002, she was elected to the Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court, where she served as a judge from 2003 until 2011. During her tenure, she gained national attention for presiding over the high-profile trial of Nevada v. Simpson. In 2008, she sentenced O.J. Simpson to 33 years in prison following his conviction for armed robbery and kidnapping at a Las Vegas hotel.

Following her retirement from the bench in 2011, Glass returned to broadcasting to host the syndicated courtroom series Swift Justice with Jackie Glass, succeeding Nancy Grace. In her later years, she remained active in the legal community as a private mediator and arbitrator for ADR services.

Personal Life

Glass was a central figure in the Las Vegas legal and political community. She was married to Steve Wolfson, the Clark County District Attorney. The couple had two daughters: Rebecca Wolfson, who followed in her mother's footsteps to become a Las Vegas municipal court judge, and Rachel Wolfson, a comedian and actress known for her role in the Jackass franchise. Her daughter Rachel paid tribute to her on social media, describing her mother as her "rock," according to KTNV Channel 13.

Legacy

Jackie Glass is remembered as a trailblazer who successfully navigated the intersection of law and media. Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley and U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto were among the many officials who issued statements praising her as an inspiring role model and a respected jurist. Her legacy is defined by her firm hand in the courtroom and her dedication to public service across multiple decades in Nevada.