Writers’ Wednesday – On The GO! -Profiles in Judicial Excellence: Territorial and Supreme Court Justices of Nevada (Off-site, KOP)
September 10 @ 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Writers’ Wednesday – On The GO!
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
5:00 – 5:30 pm – Building open
5:30 – 6:30 pm – Lecture
Speaker: Dr. David A. Hardy
Title of Talk: Profiles in Judicial Excellence: Territorial and Supreme Court Justices of Nevada
Book Summary:
The Nevada judiciary began with territorial judges appointed by President Abraham Lincoln and transitioned to elected judges after statehood in 1864. The courts officiated by these judges have influenced the evolution of Nevada from a territory created in the chaos of mining litigation; through the expansion of divorce, gaming, and tourism jurisprudence; to what is now a vibrant venue for commercial development and corporate law. Along the way, the state’s judges weighed in on issues of civil liberties, water rights, personal injury, and a variety of other legal subjects affecting all Nevada citizens. The collective work of these courts has solidified the rule of law and allowed Nevadans to live peacefully. This covers the history of these characters from 1864 to 1997.
Speaker Bio:
Judge David A. Hardy, PhD, is a fifth-generation Nevadan. He was appointed by Governor Kenny Guinn to the Second Judicial District Court in 2005. Hardy graduated from Brigham Young University magna cum laude and with honors from Brigham Young University Law School. He earned an MA and a PhD in judicial studies from the University of Nevada, Reno. Hardy has published in legal journals and magazines, is a member of the American Law Institute, and has taught as an adjunct professor at the University of Nevada, Reno. He is a long-term faculty member at the National Judicial College and has frequently presented at state and national continuing education conferences.
David A. Hardy
The Writers’ Wednesday Lecture Series, held the second Wednesday of each month, features a different author who takes part in a book signing, a presentation and question-and-answer session with the audience.
The intent of the program is to highlight writers who specifically focus on Nevada, the Great Basin, or the West in general. The authors talk about the content of their books but also share details about the creative process.
We would like to thank our partner, the Knights of Pythias for hosting our off-site lectures.
The Knights of Pythias fraternal organization promotes friendship among men and for the general welfare of its membership. They strive to make the world a better place by practicing the principles of friendship, charity, and benevolence through community service. The Knights of Pythias has been serving Nevada communities across since the 1870s. There are only three active lodges left in the State of Nevada. The address is 980 Nevada Street, Reno, NV 89503.
