Just days after paying Washoe County $106 thousand for fines from litigation in a fight for government accountability and fair elections, Nevada businessman and political activist Robert Beadles has seen his case reach the U.S. Supreme Court.
On Friday, September 27, the Court officially docketed Beadles’ case, number 24-346, marking a potential turning point for election-related legal battles in the state. The case stems from Beadles’ allegations that Nevada courts failed to uphold constitutional standards related to elections and filed after earlier attempts to seek justice within the state court system were unsuccessful.
The Supreme Court has ordered the respondents — represented by the Washoe County District Attorney’s office — to respond to Beadles’ writ of certiorari by Monday, October 28. The request for a response suggests that at least one of the nine Justices has reviewed the writ and found it compelling enough to seek further information.
While the odds of the case being fully heard are slim — the Court typically grants hearings to less than two percent of petitions submitted annually — this is an important step forward. The initial request for a response indicates that the case contains legal questions worthy of further examination.
If four Justices agree to take up the case, it could move into a new phase, potentially leading to oral arguments before the Supreme Court. A ruling could have far-reaching implications for Nevada’s election laws and similar cases in the U.S.
Beadles argues that Nevada courts ignored significant constitutional issues, and now, he hopes the Supreme Court will address those concerns. If the Justices grant certiorari, both sides will file briefs on the merits, followed by oral arguments. Afterward, the Court would deliberate privately before issuing a final decision.
The Old Blog in the Desert 
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