Nevada’s Court System
Research Division, Legislative Counsel Bureau
Policy and Program Report, April 2016
9
All civil actions filed for damages in justice court may be submitted to binding arbitration, mediation,
a settlement conference, or other alternative method of resolving disputes if the parties agree. In
certain types of cases involving domestic issues, foreclosures, homeowners’ associations,
telemarketing, and other subjects, arbitration or mediation is required. The parties to an arbitration
agreement may agree on the method for appointing an arbitrator. If they do not agree, if the method
fails, or if the arbitrator is unable to act, the court must appoint the arbitrator.
In Clark and Washoe Counties, the board of county commissioners must establish a neighborhood
justice center to provide, at no charge, a forum for the impartial mediation of minor disputes between
businesses and their customers; family members; landlords and tenants; neighbors; and others.
In other counties, the board of county commissioners may establish such a center. The centers are
supported by the county’s account for dispute resolution, funded by fees charged on the
commencement of action and the appearance of parties in justice court.
COURT ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCES
The Nevada Supreme Court appoints a Court Administrator who serves at the pleasure of the Court.
The Court Administrator and staff, known as the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), collect
and compile statistics on court operations; determine whether courts are in need of assistance; develop
accounting and procurement procedures; examine court dockets; prepare and submit biennial budgets
for operation of the State court system; recommend administrative procedures, policies, and proposed
legislation; and carry out other duties as assigned.
The State of Nevada is responsible for district court judges’ salaries, but the counties are responsible
for the costs of courtrooms, facilities, staff, and related items.
When a defendant pleads guilty or is found guilty of a crime, the sentence must include an
administrative assessment, in addition to any fine imposed. The proceeds of the administrative
assessments help support the AOC; the Central Repository for Nevada Records of Criminal History;
the district, justice, juvenile, and municipal courts; the Fund for the Compensation of Victims of
Crime; the Peace Officers’ Standards and Training Commission; and other programs and uses the
Legislature has identified.
The district courts and justice courts also charge fees for the commencement of civil actions, including
the filing of appeals, objections, petitions, and related items. The fees are for services rendered and
for support of the State General Fund, the special account for the benefit of the court, neighborhood
justice centers, and programs for abused or neglected children, legal aid, victims of domestic
violence, and other purposes.
ADVISORY BODIES
The Judicial Council of the State of Nevada, which the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court chairs,
develops and recommends policies for court administration; develops minimum standards for court
security, education of judges and staff, and other subjects; makes recommendations for the