College of Law Hosts Institute for Journalists

Journalists and reporters who cover Idaho court decisions and related issues are invited to participate in our one-day Institute for Journalism, focusing on the rule of law and the importance of an independent and impartial judiciary. The fifth institute, on November 16, 2024, is focused on how courts can be independent and impartial in a hyper-partisan era. The program will consider public perceptions and the role of journalism through presentations on the uniqueness of the judicial branch, how judges rely on and try to communicate the rule of law in judicial decisions, emerging new law and the rise of individual journalism, current issues in court coverage and election law, and understanding the intersection of children’s rights, parents’ rights, and the government’s interests. Presenters will include representatives from the federal and state courts, Idaho Press Club, University of Idaho College of Law, and the Idaho Attorneys for Civic Education.

The first institute was held on February 3, 2018, and journalists from Idaho’s print and electronic media gathered at the Idaho Law & Justice Learning Center in Boise for a first-of-its-kind institute in Idaho on covering the courts. This first institute brough 29 journalists from all regions of the state to Boise for a day of conversation about the judicial branch and covering courts.  Funding came from Idaho’s federal district court, along with collaborative support from Idaho’s state judiciary and the University of Idaho College of Law. The federal court continues to support the institute through grant funding and the time of its judges and staff.

The first institute focused on journalists’ vital role in civic education, with an emphasis on explaining the work of an independent, impartial judiciary and on illuminating the rule of law in media reports of court decisions.  This institute identified information resources for journalists and provided panel discussions of the perspectives of judges, lawyers, and journalists in educating the public. Each following institute has emphasized similar themes.

Post-institute surveys submitted by the participating journalists attending the institutes have included strong expressions of support for continuing the programs in the future.  Further information is available from University of Idaho clinical law professor Katherine (Katie) Ball (ktball@uidaho.edu); Hon. Jessica Lorello, former chair of Attorneys for Civic Education; and Melissa Davlin, President of the Idaho Press Club.

For More Information Contact