Chief Justice G. Richard Bevan wins vote to remain chief justice on the Idaho Supreme Court

By 
 September 23, 2024

Idaho's justice system made headlines recently after the Idaho Supreme Court selected its chief justice, who will serve a six-year term as the head of the state's judicial system. 

According to East Idaho News, Idaho Supreme Court Chief Justice G. Richard Bevan will not have to switch offices after he was chosen by his peers to serve a second, consecutive term as the state high court's chief justice.

The outlet noted that Bevan will remain the Idaho Supreme Court's chief justice until 2028.

According to the state's constitution, sitting justices on the Idaho Supreme Court choose the chief justice with a majority vote, separate from the elections.

What's going on?

In a statement released by Bevan following his second appointment as the high court's head justice, he praised the state's supreme court and judicial system, calling it a "model" for the rest of the nation.

"I have been honored to serve the people of Idaho as a justice for seven years and chief justice for almost four," Chief Justice Bevan said.

He added, "Idaho’s fair, impartial courts are a model for the nation. I will continue to focus on maintaining our excellent judiciary, and on ensuring our public has courts of integrity they can rely on."

Bevan has served in the Idaho Supreme Court since 2017, where he was a justice before being elected chief justice.

He was originally appointed to the Idaho Supreme Court by Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter.

Impressive career

Born and raised in Twin Falls, Bevan would ultimately earn his law degree and practice law in the area for 16 years before becoming a district judge in 2003.

He currently resides in Meridian with his wife, Pam, and are proud parents to five children and 23 grandchildren.

The outlet noted:

In addition to his work on the bench, the chief justice enjoys the arts, is active in his church and appreciates the beauty that Idaho offers by getting outdoors as often as possible.

Clearly, he's made a mark on his colleagues and superiors throughout his law career and has a lot to be proud of outside of his legal profession.

" A free people [claim] their rights, as derived from the laws of nature."
Thomas Jefferson