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 appointed 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, 2026, it had 129 amendments. (Data on file with John Dinan, Wake Forest University.)

Idaho’s Constitution Promotes Freedom and Common Welfare