Judiciary of Nevada

The Nevada Judiciary is structured with several levels of courts, including the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, District Courts, Justice Courts, and Municipal Courts, each handling specific types of cases. The Supreme Court consists of seven justices elected to six-year terms, while the Court of Appeals has five judges elected for staggered six-year terms. District Courts serve as the trial courts for felony crimes and other significant civil matters.

Justice Courts handle misdemeanors, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for felonies, with justices appointed by county commissioners or through special elections. Municipal Courts address ordinance violations in incorporated cities, with judges either relying on the county's public defender office or contracting with private attorneys.

Judicial vacancies are filled through a process involving the Commission on Judicial Selection, with nominees chosen by the Governor. Prosecutors include elected district attorneys and the Attorney General, who supervises them but rarely exercises oversight. Public defenders are provided for indigent defendants, either through county offices or the State Public Defender's Office in Carson City and Storey County.

Peace officers, including sheriffs and constables, maintain order and enforce court orders. In fiscal year 2017, Nevada's lower courts handled 807,576 cases, while the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals processed 3,756 cases combined.