District Courts of Idaho
The District Courts of Idaho are the federal trial courts that handle both civil and criminal matters within the state of Idaho. They are part of the federal judiciary system and are distinct from Idaho’s state court system. The district has court locations spread throughout the state to serve Idaho’s population.
History and Establishment of the District Courts of Idaho
Date Established
The District of Idaho was established on July 3, 1890 by 26 Stat. 215. It was part of the Eighth Circuit until 1929 when it was made part of the Ninth Circuit.
Counties Covered
Idaho, exclusive of Yellowstone National Park, constitutes one judicial district.
Locations and Facilities
Courthouse Locations
There are four divisional offices for the District Courts of Idaho located in Boise, Coeur d’Alene, Moscow, and Pocatello.
Court Addresses
The courthouses are located at:
- James A. McClure Federal Building and United States Courthouse, 550 West Fort Street, Suite 777, Boise, ID 83724-0104
- U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building, 6450 N. Mineral Drive, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815
- U.S. Courthouse, 220 East 5th Street, Moscow, ID 83843
- U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building, 801 East Sherman Street, Pocatello, ID 83201
Phone Numbers
The phone number for the District Court Clerk’s office is (208) 202-3590. Each divisional office also has its own phone number.
Key Personnel
U.S. Marshal
The U.S. Marshal for the District of Idaho is Brent R. Bunn. The Marshal oversees court security and the transport of federal prisoners.
Jurisdiction and Caseloads
Types of Cases Handled
The District Courts of Idaho have jurisdiction over all categories of federal cases, both criminal and civil, that arise within the state. This includes cases involving federal crimes, federal regulatory laws, patent and copyright issues, bankruptcy filings, civil rights violations, and more.
Coverage Area
The District of Idaho has jurisdiction over the entire state except for Yellowstone National Park, which is part of the District of Wyoming.
Operations and Procedures
Filing Procedures
Civil and criminal cases are filed with the court clerk’s office in the proper divisional location depending on where the claim arose. The Local Rules outline the processes for filing initial pleadings, motions, and other documents. Parties can also electronically file documents through PACER.
Local Rules
The Idaho District Court has a set of Local Rules that provide additional procedures and policies that attorneys must follow when practicing in the district. This includes rules on filing, discovery, jury selection, conduct at trial, and other aspects of litigation.
Contact Information
Phone Numbers
The phone number for the Boise Clerk’s Office is (208) 202-3590. The Coeur d’Alene office can be reached at (208) 547-4518, the Moscow office at (208) 301-8064, and the Pocatello office at (208) 342-5344.
Addresses
See above section on courthouse locations for the mailing addresses of each divisional office.
Websites
The District Courts of Idaho have an official website at https://www.id.uscourts.gov/ which provides court information, resources, and contact information.
Conclusion
The four District Courts of Idaho play an important role in upholding federal law and the Constitution within the state. They have a long history of providing justice in both criminal and civil matters. The district has divisional offices located throughout Idaho to properly serve the state’s population. For those involved in federal cases in Idaho, it is essential to understand the district’s jurisdiction, procedures, and points of contact.
FAQs
Q: How many district judges are there in Idaho?
A: There are currently four federal district judges across the District of Idaho.
Q: What types of cases do the district courts handle?
A: They handle all varieties of federal civil and criminal cases, including federal crimes, business and commercial disputes, intellectual property cases, and civil rights claims.
Q: Can I visit a district court proceeding in Idaho?
A: Yes, most proceedings are open to the public, although some court records, documents, or hearings may be sealed or closed for confidentiality reasons. Those wanting to attend should check the court’s schedule and follow proper visitation protocols.
Q: Who prosecutes criminal cases in district court?
A: Federal prosecutors from the local U.S. Attorney’s Office represent the United States in federal criminal prosecutions.
Q: Can I represent myself in a district court case without an attorney?
A: Yes, individuals have the right to represent themselves pro se in federal court, although legal expertise is highly recommended in most cases. Those without counsel will still need to follow all court rules and procedures.
