When people think about going to court, they often picture a long, expensive process that drags on for months (or years). In Nevada, there’s another option for many smaller civil cases: the Nevada Short Trial Program.
A short trial is still a real trial—evidence is presented, witnesses can testify, and a judge or jury decides the outcome. The difference is that the process is designed to move faster and cost less, while still giving people the chance to have their case heard.
1) Faster trial dates and faster resolution
One of the biggest benefits of the Short Trial Program is speed.
Under the Nevada Short Trial Rules, a short trial is generally scheduled—depending on courtroom availability—to commence not later than 120 days from the date the short trial judge is assigned (and 240 days after filing a written stipulation for cases that enter by stipulation). That’s a meaningful difference for cases where the amount in dispute doesn’t justify a long runway to trial.
In plain English: for the right case, the program is built to get you to a courtroom sooner, so you can get an answer sooner.
2) Limited discovery (and fewer “run up the bill” fights)
Discovery is often where costs balloon. The Short Trial Program is designed to keep discovery focused and proportional.
The rules require an early conference where the parties exchange documents, identify witnesses, and discuss whether discovery is needed. Importantly, the extent of discovery is in the discretion of the short trial judge, and the short trial judge resolves discovery disputes.
That structure can reduce the incentive for endless discovery skirmishes—especially in smaller cases where the goal should be a fair decision, not a war of attrition.
3) A real “day in court” (without a week in court)
A short trial is not a shortcut around accountability. It’s a streamlined way to get to the same core thing people want from the justice system: a decision.
The program uses firm time limits. Under the current rules, plaintiff(s) and defendant(s) are each allowed 3.5 hours to present their cases (unless the parties stipulate otherwise and the short trial judge approves). That time includes openings, witness exams, and closings.
This format forces both sides to focus on what matters most. For many litigants, that means:
- Less waiting
- Less expense
- And still the ability to tell your story in a courtroom
4) Practical cost savings built into the structure
The Short Trial Program also saves money in ways that aren’t always obvious.
For example, the rules provide that there is no formal reporting of the proceedings unless paid for by the party or parties requesting it. And the program is designed to use streamlined evidence procedures (including the ability, in many circumstances, to admit certain documents without live foundation testimony).
Even the judge structure is different in many short trials. As Cap & Kudler has discussed, short trials are heard by pro tem judges, and the rules set limits on fees and costs for those judges.
Bottom line: a smart option for the right case
Not every case belongs in a short trial. But for many smaller civil matters, the Nevada Short Trial Program can offer a rare combination: speed, controlled costs, and a real day in court.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Nevada and have questions about your options, call the personal injury lawyers at Cap & Kudler for a free consultation with an attorney.
Disclaimer: This article is for information only and is not legal advice.
Sources
- Nevada Short Trial Rules (NSTR) (Rule 1 purpose; Rule 8 discovery; Rule 12 scheduling; Rule 20 reporting; Rule 21 time limits): https://www.leg.state.nv.us/courtrules/NSTR.html
- Cap & Kudler – “Nevada Short Trial Program” (background and program overview; includes attribution to Chris A. Beecroft regarding savings): https://lasvegaspersonalinjuryexperts.com/blog/nevada-short-trial-program/
- Cap & Kudler – “The Short Trial Program in Nevada Justice Courts” (justice court short trial overview and time limits in that context): https://lasvegaspersonalinjuryexperts.com/blog/the-short-trial-program-in-nevada-justice-courts/
