Ensuring justice in Idaho federal courts

January 13, 2017

By U.S. Congressman Raul Labrador This week I moved to relieve Idaho’s overloaded federal courts by introducing a bill authorizing a third U.S. District judge in the District of Idaho. Since 2015, Idaho has had just one full-time district court judge and the Judicial Conference of the United States has declared a judicial emergency in our state. To fill the gap, 17 judges from other states have presided over Idaho cases in the last four years. Idahoans seeking justice deserve better. As a young lawyer, I worked in Idaho’s federal court system and I applaud the hard work of judges and clerks to keep the courts running. But Idahoans need a system with adequate resources to ensure fairness and efficiency. “Justice delayed is justice denied” is more than an old adage. The courts are essential to our system of government and delay has dire consequences in both civil and criminal cases. Idaho’s caseload per judge ranks 34th among the 94 federal district courts, with felony criminal filings ranking 11th. Hearing cases in Boise, Coeur d’Alene and Pocatello, judges work 60- and 70-hour weeks. Chief Judge B. Lynn Winmill is the lone full-time district judge, covering cases from all over the state. At statehood in 1890, Idaho had one district judge. A second was added in 1954 when the population reached 600,000. Idaho’s population is now 1.7 million. With two authorized judgeships, Idaho ranks 90th among the 94 courts. Judge Winmill is a 30-year veteran of the state and federal bench and says Idaho would be better served by reducing the reliance on outside judges. “While I totally respect the excellent job done by my visiting colleagues, they are not expert on Idaho’s unique culture and history,” Winmill said. “Idaho cases should be decided by Idaho judges.” Winmill said Idahoans endure unavoidable and expensive delay. “Our number one mission is handling cases quickly, but there is a limit to what we can do without adequate judicial resources. I look forward to working with Congressman Labrador to ensure that justice in Idaho’s federal courts is fair, timely and efficient.” Idaho’s congressional delegation has been trying for decades to add a third judge. Sen. Larry Craig came close in 2003. As a member of the Judiciary Committee, I recently met with our chairman, Bob Goodlatte, R-Va. We discussed efforts to relieve judicial emergencies in Idaho and 41 other jurisdictions. Idahoans need judges who truly understand the law and issues important to the Gem State. I am hopeful that we will succeed in the new Congress so the third branch of government will have the resources necessary to do the job right.