The State of Idaho is divided into six judicial districts. The District Court is presided over by a judge whose legal qualifications do not differ materially from those of the justices of the Supreme Court. Two terms of court must be held in each county of the district annually, and special sessions may be held at the option of the judge. The judge must live in the district for which he is elected, but may try cases in any county of the State at the request of the judge of the District Court thereof who may be disqualified because of his personal or pecuniary interest in the case. The salary paid the judge of the District Court is three thousand dollars per year.
Probate Courts.—The Probate Court is essentially a court of record and has original jurisdiction in all matters of probate. It is in this court that settlement is made of the estate of deceased persons and that guardians are appointed. The Probate Court may try all civil cases wherein the debt or damage claimed does not exceed five hundred dollars; its jurisdiction in criminal cases is concurrent with that of justices of the peace.
Court of Justice of the Peace.—Every county is divided into precincts, in each one of which there is a Justice of the Peace. He has jurisdiction in all civil cases arising in his district wherein the amount in consideration is not more than three hundred dollars and in cases classed as misdemeanors.
There are also police courts in cities for the trial of the violators of the city ordinances. The presiding officers of such courts are called police judges.
Amendments.—Amendments to the Constitution may be submitted in two ways: first, by being proposed by two-thirds of both houses of the Legislature; second, by being proposed by a convention called for that purpose.
The amendment thus submitted must be approved by the people at a popular election.
SCHOOLS.
The State of Idaho supports the following educational institutions: State University, State Normal Schools at Lewiston and Albion, Academy of Idaho at Pocatello, and the Industrial School at St. Anthony. Each of these institutions is governed by a board of trustees appointed by the Governor for a term of years. The boards have the general management of the schools. They build and furnish school buildings, employ and dismiss teachers and employees, prescribe the course of study and the conditions under which students are admitted to the respective institutions.