Understanding Idaho’s Legal System

Idaho’s legal system is based on the common law system, which is derived from English common law. The state’s court system is divided into three levels: the supreme court, the district courts, and the magistrate courts. The supreme court is the highest court in the state and has the final say on all legal matters. The district courts are the trial courts and hear cases involving both civil and criminal matters. The magistrate courts are courts of limited jurisdiction that hear minor civil and criminal cases.

Supreme Court

The Idaho Supreme Court is the highest court in the state and has the final say on all legal matters. The court consists of five justices who are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state senate. Justices serve six-year terms and may be reappointed to additional terms. The chief justice is the presiding officer of the court and is responsible for assigning cases to the justices.

The supreme court hears appeals from the district courts and magistrate courts. The court also has original jurisdiction over a limited number of cases, such as those involving the death penalty. The supreme court’s decisions are binding on all lower courts in the state.

District Courts

The district courts are the trial courts in Idaho and hear cases involving both civil and criminal matters. The courts are divided into 44 judicial districts, each of which is presided over by a district judge. District judges are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state senate. They serve four-year terms and may be reappointed to additional terms.

District courts hear a wide variety of cases, including personal injury lawsuits, contract disputes, criminal cases, and probate matters. The courts also have jurisdiction over juvenile delinquency cases and mental health cases. District court decisions may be appealed to the supreme court.

Magistrate Courts

The magistrate courts are courts of limited jurisdiction that hear minor civil and criminal cases. The courts are presided over by magistrate judges, who are appointed by the district judges. Magistrate judges serve four-year terms and may be reappointed to additional terms.

Magistrate courts hear cases involving traffic violations, small claims, and misdemeanors. The courts also have jurisdiction over preliminary hearings in criminal cases. Magistrate court decisions may be appealed to the district courts.

Legal Resources

The Idaho State Bar is the official organization of lawyers in Idaho. The bar provides a variety of legal resources to the public, including a free legal advice hotline, a lawyer referral service, and a self-help center. The bar also publishes a monthly magazine and a legal directory.

The Idaho Judicial Branch maintains a website that provides information about the state’s court system. The website includes a list of all the judges in the state, as well as information about how to file a lawsuit and how to appeal a court decision.

Conclusion

Idaho’s legal system is a complex system that can be difficult to understand. However, by understanding the basic structure of the system, you can better understand your rights and responsibilities as a citizen.

If you have any questions about the law, you should consult with an attorney. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options and can represent you in court if necessary.

Additional Resources

• Idaho State Bar
• Idaho Judicial Branch
• Law Help Idaho