Nevada Supreme Court

Nevada Supreme Court is the court of last resort and the highest appellate court in the U.S. state of Nevada. Established by the state's original constitution in 1864, it primarily reviews decisions from the state's district courts and certain administrative agencies. The court's decisions are binding on all lower courts within Nevada and can only be reviewed by the Supreme Court of the United States on issues of federal law.

History

The court was established in 1864 upon Nevada's admission to the Union during the American Civil War. Its early years were marked by the logistical challenges of a frontier state, with justices often traveling long distances on horseback to hold court sessions in mining camps like those near Virginia City. A significant structural change occurred in 2014 with the creation of the Nevada Court of Appeals, which was designed to handle an intermediate caseload. Prior to this, the court operated under a unique system where it could sit in three-member panels to manage its docket, a practice that ended with the appellate court's establishment. The court's primary home is the Nevada Supreme Court Building in Carson City, with additional branches for arguments in Las Vegas and Reno.

Composition and selection

The court is composed of seven justices, including a Chief Justice who is selected by peer vote for a two-year term. Justices are selected through a hybrid system: they initially campaign in nonpartisan elections for a six-year term. Following an initial term, justices are subject to a retention election, where voters decide whether they should remain in office, a system similar to the Missouri Plan. Vacancies that occur between elections are filled by gubernatorial appointment from a list provided by the Nevada Commission on Judicial Selection. To be eligible, a candidate must be a qualified voter, a resident of Nevada for at least two years, admitted to practice law in the state for at least 15 years, and under the age of 75.

Jurisdiction and powers

The court exercises mandatory appellate jurisdiction over all criminal cases involving the death penalty or life imprisonment, and over civil appeals where the amount in controversy exceeds a statutory threshold. It has discretionary jurisdiction to review decisions from the Nevada Court of Appeals via a petition for review, and it possesses original jurisdiction to issue writs, such as mandamus, prohibition, and certiorari. The court also holds inherent authority to regulate the practice of law, overseeing the State Bar of Nevada and attorney discipline. Furthermore, it is responsible for making rules governing procedure and practice for all courts in the state under its administrative authority.

Notable cases

In *Alvarez v. Eighth Judicial District Court*, the court established important precedent regarding the right to a speedy trial under the Sixth Amendment. The landmark case of *State v. Eighth Judicial District Court ex rel. County of Clark* addressed complex issues of state funding for public education. The court's ruling in *Clean Water Coalition v. The M Resort* interpreted state environmental statutes and local government powers. In *Guinn v. Legislature of the State of Nevada*, the court ruled on the constitutionality of tax initiatives, impacting the state's budgetary process. These decisions have significantly shaped Nevada jurisprudence on criminal procedure, education finance, and environmental regulation.

Current justices

As of 2023, the justices are Chief Justice Lidia S. Stiglich, and Associate Justices Elissa F. Cadish, Douglas Herndon, Kristina Pickering, Linda Marie Bell, Patricia Lee, and Ron D. Parraguirre. Stiglich, appointed by Governor Brian Sandoval in 2016, became the first openly gay justice on the court. Cadish was appointed by Governor Steve Sisolak in 2022. Herndon, a former Clark County District Attorney, was appointed by Governor Joe Lombardo. Pickering, Bell, Lee, and Parraguirre all previously served as judges in the Clark County District Court.

Category:Nevada state courts Category:State supreme courts of the United States Category:1864 establishments in Nevada