Supreme Court election challenges hearing to be Web cast

For the first time ever, the Nevada Supreme Court will Web cast its Friday court hearings live over the internet in an effort to let as many Nevadans as possible view the proceedings that will impact this year's election ballots.

Friday's court hearings in the Supreme Court's courtroom on the 17th floor the Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas are also scheduled to be broadcast live on television in Las Vegas over Las Vegas One, channel 19.

Three oral arguments scheduled for the morning of June 13 also will be Web cast on the internet and broadcast on Las Vegas One.

"The Supreme Court understands the public interest in the cases and wants to ensure that everyone who wishes to view the proceedings, no matter where in the state they live, can do so," said Chief Justice Mark Gibbons.

Chief Justice Gibbons said the decision to webcast the arguments was made, in part, because of the limited seating in the Las Vegas courtroom. The limited seating may prevent some who visit the Regional Justice Center from having the opportunity to actually attend the hearings. An overflow viewing room has been established at the Clark County Jury Services on the third floor of the Regional Justice Center.

Access to the webcast will be through the Supreme Court's website: www.nvsupremecourt.us. The webcast, which is possible only because of the cooperation of the Legislative Council Bureau, will only be available during the live court sessions, and not archived on the website. However, an audio file, or podcast, of the arguments will be posted on the website following the day's arguments.

Last minute challenges to term limits, tax initiatives and other matters that will impact Nevada's election ballots, prompted the Nevada Supreme Court on June 4 to order an unprecedented case management hearing for Friday, June 13 at 1:30 p.m.