The front lines of the Idaho Judiciary
Welcome
The Magistrate Division of the District Court of Idaho is the people’s court - from traffic infractions to misdemeanor cases, small claims to civil protection order proceedings, child custody to adoptions, probates to property disputes, a Magistrate judge is the face of the Idaho Judiciary that most people encounter. This site will provide you with information about the 50-year history of Idaho Magistrate judges, the current Magistrate judges within Idaho’s seven judicial districts and their service to citizens on and off of the bench.
Celebrating 50 years
On January 11, 2021, we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Idaho Magistrate judges. While probate judges, justices of the peace and municipal court judges began providing court services in 1864, it wasn’t until 1971 that Idaho attorneys, legislators, judges, and citizens came together to create the current Magistrate Division of the District Court that serves you today.
Idaho Magistrate Judges Association
The Idaho Magistrate Judges Association (“IMJA”) is comprised of duly appointed or elected Idaho Magistrate judges. IMJA’s mission is to promote the selection and retention of qualified Magistrate judges and to improve the image of the Magistrate Division of the District Court of Idaho by providing education to the community and striving for a more uniform and fair administration of justice.
“For most people who encounter the judicial system, they will encounter it through the Magistrate bench and to be that face for the judicial system is about the best thing in the world.”