Idaho State Courts

Idaho’s judicial system comprises a district court, supreme court and a court of appeals. There are also a number of different trial courts to deal with different subject-matter issues, all with different levels of jurisdiction. Idaho’s court system is very similar to a majority of US states in the way it is structured, with a few differences. 

Trial courts in Idaho are split into District Courts but also a Magistrate Division.

The Magistrate Division could be compared to a small claims court as it deals with issues that are in dispute for less than $10,000. However, the Magistrate Division deals with juvenile and divorce matters as well as probate proceedings. Some civil cases are dealt with via this court, and decisions can then sometimes be appealed to the district courts.

The District Courts of Idaho are responsible for civil cases where the dollar value exceeds $10,000. They hear domestic cases and may rule on challenges of incarceration. District courts are a step up from Magistrate Division courts so they can process the appeals of said division.

Idaho does not have specific family or juvenile courts so matters such as these are often processed via the district courts. There is a federal bankruptcy court in the state, known as the United States bankruptcy court, District of Idaho. 

Small claims courts deal with issues of up to $4,000 in monetary value in Idaho. 

https://www.idaho.gov/

Court Name:	Idaho Supreme Court
Address:	451 W. State St, Boise, ID 83702
Phone:	(208) 334-2210
Website URL:	https://www.isc.idaho.gov/

Intermediate and Supreme Courts

The intermediate court in Idaho is called the Court of Appeals, it has been around since the 1980s. This hears cases that the Supreme Court has assigned to it. Issues such as capital murder, or appeals from certain commissions must be heard specifically by the Supreme Court, but the Court of Appeals can review decisions made by courts further down the hierarchy in Idaho.

There are three judges as well as a chief judge in situ, elected to six-year terms in the Court of Appeals.

Like most states, the Supreme Court is the court of last resort in the state. It was first founded in 1890 and currently has five judges in situ. This court can deal with federal cases, issues relating to capital murder and appeals from lower down the hierarchy in the Idaho judicial system.

Types of Courts in Idaho

How to Find Idaho Court Records Online

Use our search tool today to find records from the history of cases to go through Idaho’s courts. Since 1990, in accordance with the Freedom of Information act and Idaho’s own  Public Records Act, it is deemed to be the right of every citizen to access the court records kept within Idaho. 

The majority of these records are digitized and you can search by surname or case number. In some older cases, you may need to contact the Idaho court in which the hearing took place. 

Idaho Counties