Nevada Judiciary

Upholding a pledge to return annually, a panel of the Nevada Supreme Court is holding oral arguments this week at the William S. Boyd School of Law on the UNLV campus.

The Supreme Court first heard arguments at the law school a year ago in a highly successful session that saw more than 120 students, lawyers and citizens crowd into a classroom at the law school to watch the high court at work. Supreme Court arguments usually only attract a fraction of that number.

This year, on Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 10 and 11, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in seven cases, including an appeal from convicted murder Alfred Centofanti at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday. Centofanti is the former Las Vegas attorney who was convicted of killing his wife and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

"The Supreme Court believes that conducting court sessions at Boyd Law School is a great opportunity for the students and the community," said Justice Mark Gibbons. "It provides a chance to see the court in action for many people who otherwise could not."

"It also demonstrates the Supreme Court's commitment to be open and accessible so the public can better understand how we reach our decisions," Justice Gibbons said.

Last year the justices spent some time after the arguments talking to the students about the appellate process. Justice Gibbons said the justices again will provide that opportunity for students to ask procedural questions about Supreme Court functions.

"I am delighted that the Nevada Supreme Court will hold oral argument here again this year," said Boyd Law School Dean Richard Morgan. "Last year's session was a highlight of the academic year, giving students and faculty the opportunity to observe the court, as well as the opportunity to interact with the justices following the arguments. These opportunities are very important to the development of our students, who last year offered great praise for the court's willingness to participate in the educational process."

"At other law schools, I have been privileged to host state supreme courts, which have come to the school to enrich the experience of the law school community," Dean Morgan said. "But, the Nevada Supreme Court's willingness to engage our students and faculty, in open and very helpful ways, goes above and beyond my experience in other states."

"The justices are truly concerned about teaching our students about the appellate process, and they have been extraordinarily generous in sharing their time and expertise with our students. I look forward to another excellent visit this year," he continued.

Arguments begin at 9:30 a.m. both days in classroom 102 at Boyd Law School.

Justice Gibbons presides over the three-justice panel that includes Justices A. William Maupin and Michael Douglas. Senior Justice Miriam Shearing will sit in on some arguments when an elected justice must step aside because of conflicts. For example, Justice Shearing will sit for Justice Douglas on one case where he had been the presiding trial court judge.

The justices will not rule on the cases immediately after the arguments. The process of research, deliberations and the writing of opinions usually takes several weeks.

Most cases at the Nevada Supreme Court are decided by three justice panels. The seven member Supreme Court only sits to hear the most complicated and serious cases, including all death penalty cases.

FAST FACTS

WHEN: Nevada Supreme Court panel hears oral argument

WHEN: Tuesday, Wednesday, Oct. 10-11 (See: Cases for times)

WHERE: Boyd School of Law, UNLV, Classroom 102.

THE PANEL: Justices Mark Gibbons (presiding), A. William Maupin, and Michael Douglas. Senior Justice Miriam Shearing will sit on some cases.

CASES:

Tuesday, Oct. 10

10:30 a.m. CPCI, a fictitious business name of Johanne Dicor v. Creative Management Services, LLC

11:30 a.m. Nevada Title Co. v. Corcha, LLC, and Douglas C. Clemetson

1:30 p.m. Alfred P. Centofanti, III v. State of Nevada

Wednesday, Oct. 11

10:30 a.m. Daniel Frankel v. Linda Doering

11:30 a.m. Julia Darnold Clemmons v. Richard A. Darnold