Access to Juvenile Courts

State-by-state guide:

Idaho

Idaho Code § 20-525 (1998), et. seq. ("The Juvenile Corrections Act"): Policy of the state of Idaho that the juvenile corrections system will be based on the following principles: accountability; community protection; and competency development.

Idaho Code § 20-525 (1998): All proceedings against a juvenile who is charged with an offense which would be a felony if committed by an adult are to be open to the public. In addition, the court docket, petitions, complaints, information, arraignments, trials, sentencings, probation violation hearings and dispositions, motions and other papers filed in such a case shall be open, as well as transcripts, findings, verdicts, judgments, orders, decrees and other papers filed in such proceedings. Extraordinary circumstances may permit the courtroom in a felony case to be closed if "it is in the best interest of the juvenile." In cases where the juvenile is aged 13 years or younger, records and court proceedings are open to the public, except by court order. Finally, the victim of misconduct shall always be entitled to the name of the juvenile involved, the name of the juvenile’s parents or guardian, and their addresses and telephone numbers, if available in the records of the court.

Idaho Juv. R. 32 (1997): Juvenile case records, including records of proceedings under Youth Rehabilitation Acts, the Juvenile Corrections Act or Child Protective Acts are confidential. However, the court in its discretion may make information from these records available to a person for research under terms and conditions specified by the court. Further, if a juvenile is 14 years or older and is adjudicated guilty of an offense which would be a felony if committed by an adult, the name, offense of which the juvenile was adjudicated, and disposition of the court may be subject to disclosure.

Idaho Code § 16-1608 (1998): The general public shall be excluded from Child Protective Act proceedings, and only such persons shall be admitted as are found by the court to have a direct interest in the case. See also Idaho Juv. R. 37; R. 52 (1997) (The general public is to be excluded from Juvenile Corrections Act and Idaho Code § 16-1601 (1998), et. seq.("The Child Protective Act") proceedings; however, persons who are found by the court to have a direct interest in the case or in the work of the court may be admitted).

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