(Carson City, NV) – Governor Jim Gibbons today announced the appointment of Robert Teuton to fill an open seat in Clark County’s family court.

Teuton will fill the remainder of the term of retired Judge Gerald Hardcastle, which runs through the end of 2010. Teuton was one of three finalists for the appointment recommended to the Governor by the state Judicial Selection Commission.

“Mr. Teuton’s experience protecting the interests of children and families will be a valuable asset to the family court,” the Governor said. “I’m confident he will do an excellent, fair job presiding over the sensitive and important issues that go before family court judges.”

Teuton currently serves as the Assistant Clark County District Attorney supervising the Family Support Division, which includes 13 attorneys and 250 staff. He previously spent seven years working in the Clark County Family and Youth Services Division.

“I’m very thankful to the Governor for showing faith in me to be a fair judge,” Teuton said. “The cases that go before family courts are incredibly important, and I will do my very best to ensure everyone who comes before me is treated with dignity and respect.”

Teuton will be serving in the Eighth Judicial District Court, Family Division Department D.

Gibbons said he was impressed with the work of the Judicial Selection Commission, which conducted its business in public for the first time when considering applications for this position.

“I’m very pleased that the commission sent over three highly qualified candidates,” the Governor said.