Nevada
Nevada’s highest court is called the Supreme Court of Nevada. The court has six justices and one chief justice, who is the most senior justice on the court. (Source: Nevada State Legislature)
Judicial Selection
Justices on the Supreme Court of Nevada are selected for six-year terms through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. Justices may seek additional terms through nonpartisan elections. To fill an interim vacancy, the governor appoints a candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The appointed justice holds office until Nevada’s next general election. The elected justice serves the remainder of the unexpired term. There are no term limits, nor is there a mandatory retirement age.
State Constitution
Nevada’s first and only constitution was adopted in 1864. As of January 1, 2024, it had 146 amendments. (Source: John Dinan, 2024)
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Judicial Deference to Agency Expertise in the States
Almost all state courts recognize the importance of agencies’ expertise in policymaking.
SCOTUS’s Review of Ban on Trans Health Care Highlights Need for State Litigation
Even if the U.S. Supreme Court decides that bans on gender-affirming care for trans youth are constitutional, state courts can strike down such laws under state constitutions.
SCOTUS’s 2nd Amendment Decision Leaves Open Questions for State Courts
The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the disarmament of a domestic abuser in United States v. Rahimi, but litigation over where to draw the line will continue.
Paths Toward Abolishing Qualified Immunity for Violations of State Constitutional Rights
States should not adopt the federal doctrine that shields officials from liability for civil rights violations.
Three U.S. Supreme Court Cases that Transformed State Judicial Elections
Judicial elections have become major political battlegrounds — complete with dark money, special interests, and attack ads — thanks to several U.S. Supreme Court decisions.
Ballot Initiatives that Protect Abortion Rights Depend on Fair State Courts
From interpreting language to determining legality, state courts play a large role in efforts to protect abortion through ballot initiatives.
Every State Supreme Court Justice in One Searchable Database
A new resource from the State Law Research Initiative lets users sort the nation’s high court justices by state, professional background, party affiliation, and more.
How Courts Oversee Ballot Initiatives
State courts — and to some degree federal courts — play a significant role in every stage of the direct democracy process.