Judicial Offices

Judges oversee criminal, family, and civil trials and lawsuits.

Supreme Court Justices: 
The Supreme Court is the State's highest court and ultimate judicial authority. The Justices rule on appeals from the trial courts (District Courts), determining if legal errors were committed in court cases or whether verdicts and judgments were fair and correct. (Daily Life Impact: Serve as the highest judicial authority in the state, ruling on appeals and serving as the final interpreter of the state law.)

• Term of Office: 6 years
• Term Limit: None

Court of Appeal Judge: 
The Justices rule on appeals from the trial courts (District Courts), determining if legal errors were committed in court cases or whether verdicts and judgments were correct. The Justices sit in panels of three for most cases, or as the full court (en banc panel) to decide the most significant legal issues. The Nevada Supreme Court generally has the first opportunity to determine the appeals they would like to weigh in, with the other items making their way to the Nevada Court of Appeals. (Daily Life Impact: Review lower court decisions.)

• Term of Office: 6 years
• Term Limit: None
   

District Court Judge and Family Court Judge: 
District Courts are trial courts of general jurisdiction, meaning they hear criminal, civil, family, and juvenile cases. The Family Court helps people with divorce, annulment, child custody, visitation rights, child support, spousal support, community property division, name changes, adoption, and abuse and neglect. Child Support cases in the Family Court are heard at the Child Support Center of Southern Nevada at 1900 E. (Daily Life Impact: Oversee a wide range of cases including criminal, civil, family, and juvenile matters, ensuring justice and fair treatment.)

• Term of Office: 6 years
• Term Limit: None
   

Municipal Court Judge:
Municipal Courts handle cases involving civil infractions within specific city limits. These courts are funded by their respective cities and most of the funds collected by the municipal court go into the municipalities' general fund. (Daily Life Impact: When you get a speeding ticket, you take it to court. The municipal court judge handles this case and imposes fines upon you.)

• Term of Office: 6 years
• Term Limit: None

Justice of the Peace:
Justice Courts handle misdemeanor crime and traffic matters, small claims disputes, evictions, and other civil matters less than $15,000. The justices of the peace also preside over felony and gross misdemeanor arraignments and conduct preliminary hearings to determine if sufficient evidence exists to hold criminals for trial at the District Court. Justices of the Peace are also referred to as judges. (Daily Life Impact: Justice Courts will decide whether or not you will get evicted.)

• Term of Office: 6 years
• Term Limit: None