Which Idaho court has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases and civil disputes above $10,000?

• A. Idaho District Court
• B. Idaho Supreme Court
• C. Magistrate Court
• D. Idaho Court Of Appeals

Answer: (A)

In Idaho, the District Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction, meaning it handles the more serious matters. Felony criminal cases are tried there, and civil disputes above a certain amount—specifically above $10,000—also go to the District Court. This separation exists to match case complexity and value with a court equipped to handle them.

Other courts in Idaho serve different roles. Magistrate Court handles less serious matters, such as misdemeanors and civil claims at or below the $10,000 threshold. The Court of Appeals and the Idaho Supreme Court are appellate courts that review decisions rather than conduct new trials, so they don't handle initial trials for felonies or large civil disputes. Therefore, the court that has jurisdiction over felony cases and civil disputes above $10,000 is the District Court.