© 2024 Boise State Public Radio
NPR in Idaho
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Apple's latest iOS (17.4) is preventing our livestreams from playing. We suggest you download the free Boise State Public Radio app & stream us there while we work to troubleshoot the issue.

Idaho Congressional Delegation: We Need A Third Federal Judge

SalFalko
/
Flickr

Idaho’s congressional delegation is lobbying to bring another federal judge to the state.

Right now, Idaho only has two federal judges to handle cases in one of the fastest-growing states in the country.

That puts it dead last among all 50 states in terms of the number of federal judges per person.

It’s also one of three states covered by just two federal judges, the others being North Dakota and Vermont.

States with many fewer people than Idaho, like Delaware, South Dakota and Wyoming, all have more judges – both per capita and in total. 

Sen. Jim Risch calls the situation a “judicial emergency,” while Sen. Mike Crapo says the ability to deliver justice to Idahoans has been “severely delayed.”

Two years ago, a group led by U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts recommended Congress sign off on a new seat for Idaho.

A bill adding a new judicial seat passed out of a congressional committee last September, but it was never taken up by the House.

Follow James Dawson on Twitter @RadioDawson for more local news.

Copyright 2019 Boise State Public Radio

I cover politics and a bit of everything else for Boise State Public Radio. Outside of public meetings, you can find me fly fishing, making cool things out of leather or watching the Seattle Mariners' latest rebuilding season. If you have a tip, please get in touch!

You make stories like this possible.

The biggest portion of Boise State Public Radio's funding comes from readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

Your donation today helps make our local reporting free for our entire community.