Article by:
Naiomi Pitre
“For me, doing what is right is not about being popular or engaging in a movement,” Jasmin Lilly-Spells, Esq. states simply. She continues, “Doing what’s right is a lifestyle.”
In the current political climate, history finds itself in a strange place. Corporations and politicians are clamoring for the black vote of confidence, and everyone wants to be the first to exclaim that, “Black lives matter to us!” Jasmin has been connecting with people of different backgrounds before it was the in-thing-to-do. She has always seen fit to celebrate both the differences and similarities of those within her community. Lilly-Spells has committed to being an example to others of how to treat people with dignity and respect, regardless of reciprocation.
Jasmin Lilly-Spells is currently an attorney working in the Clark County Public Defender’s Office and has acted in the past as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) to children in the abuse and neglect system. She is running for Judge of Department 23 in the Eighth Judicial District Court. When asked why it is important for our court system to reflect a diverse community, Jasmin responded, “A government is made by the people, for the people. Government does not exist without people. The role of government is to protect the people and work for them. With the growing divisiveness of our nation and the waning of public confidence in governmental systems, it is imperative that the government functions for all people; to do so, it must reflect the community in which it serves.”
In addition to being involved in the recent movement to fight for the civil rights of everyone in our communities, Lilly-Spells has continued to mentor youth and up and coming attorneys. She has volunteered her time both sharing the tragic story of her cousin’s death during a police interaction, and sharing the many positive experiences she has had with various figures of authority. Each day, Jasmin works to protect her client’s constitutional rights as a citizen of the United States of America, ensuring that they are treated fairly and their voice is heard, even if society would like to silence them. In fact, she has regularly defended clients who had quite different views from her, including religious beliefs and even white nationalist groups!
“I participated in the national Public Defender March for Equal Rights within the criminal justice system on June 8, 2020. At this event, I saw people of different ages, genders, socio-economic statuses, sexual orientation, and races gathered for a collective cause. It was a beautiful sight to see the unity and collective passion of such a diverse group. Policing is a complex subject. As a wife and the mother of four black children, three of whom are males, I am concerned for my children. I am also grateful for the officers who abide by the call to protect and serve, including those who have apprehended individuals incensed towards violence at protests,” she declares.
Jasmin feels strongly that, although the criminal justice system may be rife with disparate treatment and sentencing disparities based on socioeconomic status and race, there is hope for the future. Through providing a better opportunity for a quality education, we can breed respectful discourse and solution-based problem solving. By providing comprehensive mental health services, we can better service the public. Fostering an environment that supports economic growth and opportunity will also help to develop safer communities.
Lilly-Spells has demonstrated her exemplary legal expertise while working as a practicing trial attorney, working in the trenches and handling all aspects of her cases. She has shown an even and fair judicial temperament, having the courage to make hard decisions and the integrity to do what is right, even when it may be unpopular to do so. Jasmin has always been an attorney dedicated to the people, and in November, she encourages you to feel connected and let your voice count. Vote, because your actions will dictate monetary resources within the state through the Census and in turn, affect jobs, housing, education, and even medical treatment. Now, more than ever, it is imperative that you vote for those who will best represent you at every level. Jasmin Lilly-Spells is the judge for the people for District Court Department 23.
To learn more about Jasmin Lilly-Spells and her campaign, please visit www.lilly-spells.com. She also would like to meet you and invites you to reach out via phone, text, and/or email at (702) 907-5565 and [email protected].