Idaho Supreme Court

Idaho Supreme Court
source
Court name	Idaho Supreme Court
Established	1890
Location	Boise
Authority	Constitution of Idaho
Terms	6 years
Chiefjudgename	G. Richard Bevan
Termstart	2021

Idaho Supreme Court. The Idaho Supreme Court stands as the court of last resort and the head of the judicial branch of government within the State of Idaho. Established upon statehood, its five justices exercise appellate review over decisions from the Idaho Court of Appeals and the state's district courts, while also administering the entire Idaho judiciary. The court is vested with the authority to interpret the Constitution of Idaho and ensure the uniform application of state law across all jurisdictions.

History

The court was formally created by the Idaho Constitution, which was ratified in 1889 and took effect upon Idaho's admission to the Union in 1890. The first justices were elected in October 1890, with the court initially convening in the old territorial capitol building in Boise. Early sessions were also held in other cities like Lewiston and Idaho Falls before Boise was permanently established as the capital. Significant evolution occurred with the passage of the Idaho Judicial Reorganization Amendment in 1966, which unified the state's trial courts and centralized administrative authority under the chief justice, a reform championed by figures like former Chief Justice Joseph J. McFadden. Landmark rulings in its formative decades helped define the scope of state power, water rights under the doctrine of prior appropriation, and the boundaries of legislative authority.

Composition and selection

The court is composed of five justices, including one who serves as chief justice. Justices are selected through a nonpartisan statewide election process; however, most initially reach the bench through gubernatorial appointment to fill mid-term vacancies under the merit-based commission system. The Idaho Judicial Council, a bipartisan body, screens candidates and submits a shortlist to the Governor of Idaho, currently Brad Little. After appointment, justices stand for retention election at the next general election for a full six-year term, requiring a simple majority vote to remain in office. To be eligible, a candidate must be at least thirty years old, a citizen of the United States, and have practiced law or served as a judge within Idaho for at least ten years. The current justices, alongside Chief Justice G. Richard Bevan, are Robyn Brody, Colleen Zahn, Gregory Moeller, and John R. Stegner.

Jurisdiction and powers

The court possesses broad appellate jurisdiction, as mandated by the Idaho Constitution and the Idaho Code. It has discretionary authority to review decisions from the Idaho Court of Appeals via petitions for certiorari and mandatory jurisdiction over appeals involving the death penalty, life sentences, or constitutional questions. The court also exercises original jurisdiction in specific matters, including writs of habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, and quo warranto. As the administrative head of the state's judiciary, the court oversees the operations of all lower courts, including district courts, magistrate courts, and the Idaho Court of Appeals, through its Administrative Office of the Courts. This includes establishing rules of practice and procedure, managing the Idaho State Bar, and implementing judicial education and budgetary policies.

Notable cases

Throughout its history, the court has issued pivotal rulings that have shaped Idaho law. In *Kootenai Environmental Alliance v. Panhandle Yacht Club, Inc.* (1982), the court reinforced the public trust doctrine, affirming state ownership and protection of navigable waters and lake beds. The decision in *Van Valkenburgh v. Citizens for Term Limits* (2002) struck down a stringent legislative term limits initiative, ruling it violated the Idaho Constitution's guarantees of voter and candidate rights. More recently, in *Reclaim Idaho v. Denney* (2021), the court upheld the constitutionality of the Medicaid expansion initiative process, affirming the power of direct democracy in the state. Other significant opinions have addressed water law disputes under the Snake River adjudication, the scope of the Idaho Public Records Act, and challenges to legislative redistricting plans.

Courthouse and facilities

The Idaho Supreme Court is housed in the Idaho Supreme Court Building, a distinct structure located directly west of the Idaho State Capitol in downtown Boise. Completed in 1970, the building was designed by the architectural firm Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Partnership and features a modernist style with extensive use of marble and granite. The facility contains the court's primary courtroom, justices' chambers, the Idaho Law Library, and the offices of the Clerk of the Court and the Administrative Office of the Courts. The Idaho State Law Library, open to the public, maintains a comprehensive collection of legal resources, including historical records of the court's opinions. The building underwent a significant renovation and expansion in the early 21st century to modernize its infrastructure and preserve its architectural integrity. Category:Idaho Supreme Court Category:State supreme courts of the United States