NCJ Number
167458
Date Published
1996
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This report presents information and statistics for Idaho State courts for 1995.
Abstract
During 1995, more appeals were filed and disposed than at any other time in history. There were 970 new appellate filings, up 16.3 percent over 1994, and 811 appellate cases disposed, up 3.7 percent over 1994. Idaho's 36 district judges experienced record case filings during 1995. Although civil filings increased a modest 2 percent over 1994, criminal filings increased by 15 percent. During 1995, 453,492 cases were filed in the magistrate division, an increase of 11.1 percent. The judiciary met the demands of increased caseloads through innovative programs and procedures. Among these were a statewide research contract with WestLaw that expanded to include all judges, the expanded installation of ISTARS in a number of counties, and the identification of needs for increased communication and efficiency by the Court's Technology Committee. A judicial performance evaluation was proposed, and public information efforts were expanded. Among other achievements in 1995 were the development of a long-range technology plan, the appointment of a State Law Librarian, the enactment of juvenile justice rule changes, and the expansion of judicial education programs. Information is also provided on total quality efforts, the work of court committees, Snake River Basin adjudication, security needs, efforts to ensure fairness and equality in the courts, the initiation of a long-range "Futures" effort, and the encouragement of alternative dispute resolution. New appointments for the Supreme Court and district courts are listed. 3 figures