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, 2026, it had 148 amendments. (Data on file with John Dinan, Wake Forest University.)
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The Many Versions of State Constitutional Lockstepping
The practice of interpreting state constitutions identically to their federal counterpart is often criticized in blanket terms. But the ways state courts lockstep vary widely.
How State Courts Can Help Deflect the Supreme Court’s Latest Blow to Multiracial Democracy
State courts need not import a federal doctrine directing judges to avoid issuing rulings that could change election rules in the runup to an election.
“State Capture” and the Role of State Courts
State constitutions offer powerful tools for combatting control of state and local institutions by private interests.
How Courts Evaluate Election Day Requests to Keep Polls Open Late
Various factors, including the harm to voters and the option for tailored and limited relief, play into whether judges will allow voting to continue past the scheduled closing time.
Fines, Fees, and Bail in State Courts
Recent state supreme court cases, including a major California ruling last week, address the burden of court-imposed financial obligations on criminal defendants.
Michigan Supreme Court to Hear Rare Lawsuit Between Legislative Chambers
The case arose after a new Republican majority in the Michigan House refused to send several bills passed by a previous Democratic-controlled legislature to the governor to become law.
State Courts Offer Protection Against Pregnancy Discrimination
Courts in almost two dozen states have rejected the U.S. Supreme Court’s reasoning that discrimination based on pregnancy is not sex discrimination.
How Are State Judges Selected?
Thirty-eight states use elections as part of their system for choosing high court judges.