Court keeps up with load

Tuesday, July 18, 2000 | 10:59 a.m.

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Supreme Court says it is keeping ahead of the curve by turning out more decisions than the appeals being filed.

The court said Monday it disposed of 1,045 cases in the last six months while 944 appeals were submitted.

Chief Justice Bob Rose said since the court was expanded to seven members and then spilt into panels in January 1999, it has reduced the backlog of cases by 275.

"This is one of the things we expected from the panel system -- the ability to reduce the backlog at the court," Rose said.

The expanded court has also allowed justices to spend more time on important cases.

"Many attorneys and judges have told me that the quality of our opinions has improved, and I believe every justice thinks we are putting out a better product," Rose said.

Justices Bill Maupin and Cliff Young have agreed to split the job of chief justice for the next two years.

When Rose steps down in January, Maupin will be chief justice for one year and then Young will follow for 2002. Maupin will represent the court before the 2001 Legislature.