Idaho’s newest Supreme Court justice comes from Twin Falls

Judge G. Richard Bevan, currently a district judge in Twin Falls, will move to the Idaho Supreme Court.

Bevan, who is the 5th Judicial District’s administrative judge, takes the place of Justice Daniel Eismann, who is retiring at the end of August. The other finalists for the appointment were Boise attorney Rebecca Rainey, 2nd District Judge John Stegner and 7th District Judge Greg Moeller.

Gov. Butch Otter announced Bevan’s appointment Tuesday.

“I am honored and humbled to be chosen as Idaho’s next Supreme Court justice,” Bevan said in a statement. “I appreciate the confidence placed in me throughout this process. I pledge to act with all the power that I possess to be a faithful servant of the United States and Idaho constitutions, to the rule of law and to the people of the state of Idaho.”

Bevan has been a judge since 2003. He was a lawyer in private practice before that and also served a term as Twin Falls County prosecuting attorney, a position to which he was elected as a Republican.

As judge, he was instrumental in establishing and presiding over the 5th District’s mental health court. He also presides over the veterans’ treatment court, which was established in 2015 to hear cases involving veterans with service-related drug, alcohol or mental health challenges.

“Judge Bevan’s judicial demeanor, his sound and well-reasoned decisions, and his impressive knowledge and understanding of the legal issues that are most consequential to the citizens he serves on the bench recommend him highly for the Supreme Court,” Otter said. “He has consistently tackled tough, socially significant issues with an open mind and a determination to find solutions that protect both the community and the individuals who appear before him.”

Should Bevan wish to stay on the court, he will be up for election in May 2018 and possibly a runoff in November 2018.

This story was originally published August 29, 2017 at 4:33 PM with the headline "Idaho’s newest Supreme Court justice comes from Twin Falls."