CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — The Nevada Supreme Court has ordered the Legislature to respond to claims by troubled Assemblyman Steven Brooks that lawmakers cannot prevent him from serving in the Assembly.

In an order issued late Wednesday and signed by Chief Justice Kris Pickering, the court gave legislative lawyers 11 days to answer Brooks’ argument that the Legislature lacks authority to put him on leave and banish him from the building.

Brooks was placed on paid leave last month. A seven-member Assembly panel will recommend whether he is fit to serve following a series of high profile incidents, including two arrests and a hospitalization for a mental evaluation.

On Monday he was charged in Las Vegas with a felony and three lesser offenses stemming from domestic incident Feb. 10 at his wife’s home.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.