Idaho judicial news

From Judgepedia

News about or affecting the judiciary in Idaho.

Curfew law challenged in Idaho

Boise, Idaho: The town of Wendell's curfew law, stating that youths must be indoors between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., is set be reviewed by the Idaho Supreme Court. The court has set February, 10, as the date for oral arguments and will ultimately decide whether or not this curfew violates the constitutional rights of children.^[1]

Idaho court dismisses anti-abortion suit

Canyon County, Idaho: Judge Renae Hoff of the Third District Court of Idaho dismissed a lawsuit brought by a couple against the state in an attempt to stop abortions. Walt and Virginia Bayes' case was dismissed because they "had not demonstrated any injury and therefore had no standing to bring forth the lawsuit," the court said.^[1]

Idaho Supreme Court upholds murder conviction

Boise, Idaho: The Idaho Supreme Court upheld the double murder conviction of Dale Carter Shackelford. Shackelford was originally sentenced to death but a U.S. Supreme Court decision ruled that death sentences could only be handed out by juries, he has since been awaiting re-sentencing.^[1]

Meth case verdict affirmed by appeals court

Sandpoint, Idaho: The Idaho Court of Appeals struck down an appeal by a Bonner County resident that seeked to lighten his sentence of 2-8 years for drug trafficking. Jerry Lee Dingman arrest for trafficking is a result of his guilty plea to purchasing components for the drug shortly after his prison sentence for drug possession. ^[1]

New judge in Idaho to take office

Jerome, Idaho: On Thursday, January 14, Eric Wildman was sworn in as a judge to Idaho’s 5th Judicial District replacing the now retired Barry Wood. Besides filling the role of District Judge, Wildman will also handle appeals to the Idaho Department of Water Resources and preside over the Spokane River Basin Adjudication.^[1]

Judge appointed to the Idaho Court of Appeals

Idaho: John Michael Melanson has been appointed to the Idaho Court of Appeals to fill the vacancy left with the September 30, 2009 retirement of Darrel Perry. He was appointed by Governor Otter on August 20, 2009.

"I am very excited about this appointment and very humbled by the Governor’s decision and I will work every day to live up to the trust he has placed me," Melanson said.

Prior to this appointment, Melanson served eight years as a district judge in the state's Fifth District, serving Minidoka County. Melanson also served as a magistrate judge in Lincoln County for six years, and was an attorney in private practice for the 13 years preceding that.

"I have tremendous confidence in John and the reputation that he carries into this new appointment. His experience and perspective will be a welcome addition to the court," Governor Otter said. ^[1][2]

Judge Wood to retire

Idaho: Administrative Judge Barry Wood of the Idaho District Courts, Fifth District, has announced that he will retire on December 31, 2009. Wood presides mainly in Gooding County, but has been presiding over cases from Blaine County for some time. The reassignment of his cases is beginning right away, well in advance of the Dec. 31 date set for his retirement, starting with the Blaine County cases. Judge John Butler, who normally presides in Jerome County, is receiving the Blaine County cases.

"We're just going to make the transition a little earlier so we can keep things running smoothly," said Linda Wright, trial court administrator for the 5th Judicial District. ^[1]

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