The Nevada Judicial System
The Judiciary is a separate and coequal branch of Nevada’s State Government, along with the Executive and Legislative Branches. (See Nevada Constitution, Art. 3, Section 1)
In Nevada, the judiciary consists of the Nevada Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and three levels of trial courts – state District Courts, county Justice Courts, and city Municipal Courts.
Understanding the Fifth Judicial District
This section presents Judge Kim Wanker’s commitment to impartiality and justice, offering a clear overview of her judicial philosophy and dedication. It shares insights into the principles that inform her decisions and approach to the law.
The Fifth Judicial District Court
- Fifth Judicial District Department 1: The Honorable Kimberly A. Wanker
- Fifth Judicial District Department 2: The Honorable Robert W. Lane
Overview
Nevada District Courts function as trial courts with general jurisdiction. They adjudicate all felony and gross misdemeanor criminal matters, as well as family, juvenile, and civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $15,000.
The state is divided into 11 Judicial Districts with a total of 90 District Court Judges serving Nevada’s 17 counties. Nye and Esmeralda Counties fall within the Fifth Judicial District, which is administered by two District Court Judges. These judges preside regularly at the courthouses located in Tonopah (the county seat) and Pahrump in Nye County, as well as the Esmeralda Courthouse in Goldfield. Additionally, they hold jurisdiction to serve in any district court throughout the State of Nevada.
Qualifications
The qualifications to serve as a Nevada district court judge are set forth in NRS 3.060.
NRS 3.060. Qualifications
1. A person may not be a candidate for and is not eligible to the office of district judge unless the person:
(a) Has attained the age of 25 years.
(b) Is an attorney licensed and admitted to practice law in the courts of this State at the time of the election or appointment.
(c) Has been an attorney licensed and admitted to practice law in the courts of this State, another state or the District of Columbia for a total of not less than 10 years at any time preceding the election or appointment, at least 2 years of which have been in this State.
(d) Is a qualified elector and has been a bona fide resident of this State for 2 years next preceding the election or appointment.
(e) Is registered to vote in this State.
(f) Has not ever been removed from any judicial office by the Legislature or removed or retired from any judicial office by the Commission on Judicial Discipline.
Justice Courts in the Fifth Judicial District
Overview
Appellate review of Justice Court decisions falls under the authority of the Fifth Judicial District Court.
Within the Fifth Judicial District, Nye County is served by three justice courts located in Pahrump, Beatty, and Tonopah, while Esmeralda County has one justice court.
Municipal Courts in the Fifth Judicial District
There are no municipal courts in the Fifth Judicial District.