Nevada Judiciary

The same Northern Panel of the Supreme Court that sat in historic oral arguments in Ely on March 15 will preside over Friday’,s oral arguments in four cases that originated in the Elko area. Justice Ron Parraguirre heads the panel that includes Justices James Hardesty and Nancy Saitta.

Arguments begin at 9 a.m. in the Spring Creek High School auditorium and the session will conclude at 1 p.m. The arguments in each of the four cases will last 30 minutes, but the justices will spend the time between arguments answering questions from the high school students that will be attending.

The Nevada Supreme Court first held oral arguments in Elko on May 5, 1988 as part of the observance of the bicentennial of the United States Constitution. That Supreme Court –, then composed of five justices –, held oral arguments before about 90 citizens and students at the Elko High School auditorium. Several hundred students are expected to attend Friday's court session, which is a public hearing open to all interested residents.

Justice Parraguirre said the Supreme Court's decision to hold court outside the state capital will provide unique access to the Court and the justices for those who may never have a chance to observe oral arguments at the Supreme Court building in Carson City and Las Vegas.

"We believe that holding court sessions across Nevada offers an interesting educational opportunity for our students and citizens, and promotes a better understanding of the role of the judiciary in our government and society," said Justice Ron Parraguirre. "We hope this will be a great learning experience for the students and a great opportunity for citizens of Elko County to see the court in action."

"Many people view the judicial process as complex and mysterious," he said. "Bringing the Supreme Court to Elko will hopefully help demystify the process."

On March 15 the Supreme Court held its first session in Ely. About 125 students from White Pine, Eureka, Lund and Steptoe Valley high schools attended that session.

After the court session, the justices ate lunch with students in the school cafeteria.

Historically, it is not unprecedented for the Supreme Court to hold sessions outside the state capital of Carson City, and has done so frequently in Las Vegas, where the Court maintains a courtroom and office.

In addition to Elko, the Supreme Court has presided over oral arguments in Tonopah, and Virginia City. Last summer, the Northern Panel conducted oral arguments at the National Judicial College in Reno. The Southern Panel of the Supreme Court annually holds oral arguments at the William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.