Knowledge Base

Here’s the longer explanation about courts:

Key Differences Between Justice Courts and the Second Judicial District Court

1. Jurisdiction and Types of Cases

Justice Courts:

• Limited Jurisdiction: Justice courts handle specific types of cases within their township or precinct.
• Criminal Cases: They conduct felony preliminary hearings, handle misdemeanors, and traffic offenses.
• Civil Cases: They hear small claims and civil cases where the amount in dispute does not exceed $15,000.
• Other Matters: Justice courts also handle landlord/tenant disputes, evictions, protective orders (with some exceptions), and issue warrants, summons, and writs. They perform all clerical work related to their cases and set bail, determine probable cause for detention, and administer oaths. 
• Statutory Authority: Governed by NRS Chapter 4. 

Second Judicial District Court:

• General Jurisdiction: The Second Judicial District Court (SJDC) is a court of general jurisdiction for Washoe County.
• Criminal Cases: Handles all felony and gross misdemeanor cases.
• Civil Cases: Hears civil cases where the claimed damages exceed $15,000.
• Family and Juvenile Cases: The Family Division presides over all domestic and juvenile case filings.
• Specialty Courts: Operates specialty courts such as Drug Court, Mental Health Court, Veterans Court, and others.
• Appeals: Hears appeals from Justice Courts and Municipal Courts.
• Statutory Authority: Governed by NRS Chapter 3. 

2. Geographic and Structural Differences

• Justice Courts are organized by township and serve specific local areas within Washoe County (e.g., Reno, Sparks, Incline, Wadsworth). Each township has at least one elected Justice of the Peace. 
• Second Judicial District Court serves all of Washoe County and is comprised of multiple elected judges (currently nine General Jurisdiction Judges and seven Family Division Judges). 

3. Procedural and Operational Differences

• Justice Courts are often the first point of contact for criminal cases (preliminary hearings, arraignments) and for lower-value civil disputes. They also handle small claims and certain protective orders, but their authority is limited by statute. 
• Second Judicial District Court handles more serious criminal and civil matters, family law, and juvenile cases. It also manages specialty courts and has broader authority to issue orders and hear appeals.