Idaho
Idaho’s highest court is the Idaho Supreme Court. The court has four justices and one chief justice, who is selected by a majority of the other justices to serve a four-year term. (Source: Idaho Constitution)
Judicial Selection
Justices are chosen for the Idaho Supreme Court through a nonpartisan election, where multiple candidates may vie for the seat. The elected justice serves a six-year term and may seek additional terms through nonpartisan elections. When a seat on the court opens in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. The appoinnted justice holds office for the remainder of the unexpired term. There are no term limits, nor is there a mandatory retirement age.
State Constitution
Idaho’s first and only constitution was adopted in 1889. As of January 1, 2022, it had 127 amendments. (Source: Council of State Governments)
Filters
How Courts Oversee Ballot Initiatives
State courts — and to some degree federal courts — play a significant role in every stage of the direct democracy process.
When Can States Prosecute Federal Agents?
Federal precedent permits such prosecutions in limited circumstances, but the legal bar remains high.
The Path Not Taken in Federal Takings Law
Debates from 19th century state conventions explain why some constitutions allow takings for “private use.”
New Year Scholarship Roundup: Federal-State Conflict, State Courts, and Election Administration
Several new articles explore state power in times of federal-state and interstate conflict.
Who’s Hiring State Supreme Court Clerks?
State-by-state information to aid law students and young attorneys in securing a state clerkship.
2026 Abortion-Related Ballot Measures
Ballot measures continue to be a tool in the fight over abortion rights, with some states attempting to expand rights and others looking to shore up restrictions.
Voting Rights and Democracy in State Courts
Transcript of panel from Symposium: The Power of State Constitutional Rights
State Constitutional Amendments and State Conventions
Transcript of panel from Symposium: The Power of State Constitutional Rights