What is a key responsibility of the court of appeals in Idaho?

The role of the court of appeals in Idaho primarily focuses on reviewing decisions made by the district courts. This includes the authority to hear appeals from district court cases that are assigned to them, which allows for a more specialized and efficient handling of appeals, particularly in managing caseloads.

The practice of assigning cases from the supreme court ensures that the appellate structure is effective and that judges who specialize in particular areas of law can address appeals accordingly. This system helps maintain judicial efficiency and provides a necessary check on district court rulings, contributing to the overall integrity of the legal process.

While preliminary hearings, criminal case direct hearings, and civil dispute rulings are essential aspects of the judicial system, they do not fall within the jurisdiction of the court of appeals. Rather, those responsibilities typically belong to different court levels, such as the district courts for preliminary hearings and the supreme court for select civil and criminal matters.