United States District Court for the District of Idaho
About This Court
The District of Idaho is a single federal judicial district covering the entire state of Idaho, situated within the Ninth Circuit. The court hears federal civil and criminal matters arising across Idaho's roughly 83,000 square miles, which includes urban centers such as Boise, as well as large expanses of rural and mountainous territory.
With four active Article III judges, the District of Idaho is a relatively small federal district. Cases may be heard in multiple locations across the state to serve litigants in different regions. The court handles matters including federal criminal prosecutions, civil rights claims, natural resources and public lands litigation, and immigration-related cases, reflecting Idaho's geographic and economic character.
Given Idaho's significant federal land ownership and proximity to tribal nations, the court frequently adjudicates disputes involving federal agencies, environmental and land use law, and matters arising under federal Indian law.
Proceedings are governed by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, and Federal Rules of Evidence, along with the court's local rules. Bankruptcy cases are handled by the companion Bankruptcy Court, District of Idaho.
Divisions
Northern Division (Coeur d'Alene), Southern Division (Boise), Eastern Division (Pocatello)
Caseload
The court's docket reflects Idaho's public lands and natural resources economy, with notable litigation involving federal land management agencies, water rights, and tribal sovereignty issues. Criminal cases involving drug trafficking and federal land violations also represent a consistent portion of the court's workload.
Bar Admission
Attorneys must be admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the District of Idaho, which generally requires membership in good standing with the Idaho State Bar or admission pro hac vice for out-of-state counsel. Local rules govern the specific requirements and procedures for admission.
Clerk's Office
550 West Fort Street, Boise, ID 83724
(208) 334-1361
Active Judges 4
| Name | Appointed By | Confirmed | Law School |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amanda Brailsford | Joseph R. Biden | 2023 | University of Idaho College of Law |
| Edward Lodge | George H.W. Bush | 1989 | University of Idaho College of Law |
| David Nye | Donald J. Trump | 2017 | Brigham Young University, J. Reuben Clark Law School |
| B. Winmill | William J. Clinton | 1995 | Harvard Law School |
Local Rules
58 local rules extracted from this court's published rules. See the court's official website for the authoritative text.