Idaho Magistrate Court
The Idaho Magistrate Court handles most everyday legal matters.
It covers misdemeanor crimes, traffic tickets, and smaller civil cases (under $10,000). Magistrate judges also handle family law issues like divorce and child custody, probate cases, and protection orders.
They conduct preliminary hearings in felony cases before they move to District Court. Magistrate judges are appointed by District Court judges and serve fixed terms.
Idaho District Court
The District Court is Idaho’s main trial court for serious matters.
It hears felony criminal cases, major civil lawsuits (over $10,000), and appeals from Magistrate Court. District judges preside over jury trials, complex cases, and administrative reviews.
Judges in District Court are elected to four-year terms and serve as the general jurisdiction level of Idaho’s state court system.
Idaho Small Claims Court
Small Claims Court is a part of the Magistrate Court designed for quick, affordable resolutions of smaller disputes.
It handles civil cases up to $5,000, such as unpaid debts, property damage, or simple contract issues.
People usually represent themselves without attorneys, and the process is informal. If either party disagrees with the outcome, the case can be appealed to the Magistrate division of the District Court.
Dates
Magistrate Court is held on Monday’s and Tuesday’s
District Court is the 2nd Tuesday of every month
Small Claims Court is held on Wednesday of the 2nd full week of the month
We offer Links to assist you in finding information and giving you updates that might help with questions at the bottom of this page.
To submit proof of insurance to our office, to request records or for general Court inquiries, please email custercourtclerks@custer.idcourts.gov