Who should have the final say when someone is at risk of losing their home?

A new lawsuit is raising questions about Nevada’s eviction system and the use of unelected hearing masters in Las Vegas Justice Court.

In 2025, approximately 78,000 summary eviction cases were filed across Nevada. More than 53,600 were filed in Las Vegas Justice Court alone, roughly 68% of the statewide total.

In Las Vegas, some summary eviction cases can be decided by appointed hearing masters rather than elected justices of the peace. The new legal challenge argues that hearing masters should not have final authority over these cases without review by an elected judge.

The courts will ultimately decide the constitutional question, but the lawsuit highlights a larger issue for Nevada:

When someone’s home is on the line, what does meaningful due process look like?

Eviction can affect far more than where someone sleeps. It can disrupt employment, education, health, family stability, and a person’s ability to secure housing in the future.

As Nevada prepares for the 2027 Legislative Session, conversations about housing affordability must also include eviction protections, court access, due process, and accountability.

Because housing justice isn’t only about making housing affordable.

It’s also about making sure our neighbors are treated fairly when their housing is at risk.

“Learn to do good; seek justice.” — Isaiah 1:17

Housing Justice
Access to Justice
Love of Neighbor

Read more from The Nevada Independent.