Nevada Courts and Judges Key Terms

Learn to navigate the Nevada court system with Nevada courts and judges key terms

By Apryl Beverly

If you’re doing business in Nevada, it’s important for you to have at least a basic knowledge of the state’s judicial system. While businesses can rely on the expertise of legal counsel, it’s a wise move to have a knowledge of the ins and outs of the Nevada court system should you need to pursue legal assistance or a lawsuit for your business dealings.

The Nevada court system consists of a Supreme Court, district courts, justice courts and municipal courts. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the state. The following Nevada courts and judges key terms can help you learn more about the state’s court system.

Supreme Court

The primary role of the Nevada Supreme Court is to oversee and review appeals decisions made by district court judges. The Supreme Court has the authority to overrule, affirm or change the judgment if the court finds that legal error has occurred.
Try: Read more about the state’s highest court at the Supreme Court of Nevada.

District court

There are nine district courts in Nevada that rule on legal matters filed across 17 counties in the state. District courts preside over all criminal and civil cases with limited jurisdiction.
Try: Read more about Nevada's district courts at Online Searches.

Justice courts

Nevada's justice courts can hear misdemeanor criminal matters and civil cases valued at less than $10,000. Some of the cases on which justice courts have the authority to rule include landlord-tenant disputes, collection actions for fines and taxes, workplace harassment and property claims.
Try: Find out more about Nevada justice courts at Clark County Courts.

Municipal court

Nevada municipal courts have limited jurisdictional authorities to rule on certain types of cases. Municipal courts can review misdemeanor criminal cases and rule on civil claims valued at less than $2,500.
Try: Find out more about municipal courts at the City of Las Vegas.

Business court

The Nevada business court is a special court designed to efficiently manage the legal needs of businesses in Nevada. The court prides itself on quick case resolutions, settlement programs, and electronic filing technology.
Try: Learn more about Nevada’s business court at the Nevada Secretary of State.

Commission on Judicial Discipline

The Commission's primary role is to investigate and decide on complaints of inappropriate behavior of the state's judges. The Commission consists of seven members, two of whom are appointed by the Nevada Supreme Court, two attorneys appointed by the Nevada State Bar, three appointed by the Nevada Governor, a general counsel and a management analyst.
Try: Find out more about the Commission at the State of Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline.