Both of Idaho’s federal magistrate judges, Ronald E. Bush and Candy Wagahoff Dale, have been reappointed to the federal court for a second eight-year term, the court announced today. The reappointments followed a review process by a merit review panel, as required by federal law, that solicited public input and assessed the qualifications and work of each judge. Both received unanimous recommendations for reappointment.

Magistrate judges in Idaho’s federal district court preside over civil cases with the consent of the parties; consider other civil case proceedings on referral from the district judges; conduct preliminary proceedings in felony criminal cases and preside over misdemeanor criminal cases; and preside over problem-solving courts.

Idaho currently has just one district judge, Chief U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill. The state still is awaiting an appointee to replace longtime Judge Edward Lodge, who took senior status in July; he still is hearing cases, but has a reduced caseload.

Dale first became a federal magistrate judge in March 2008; Bush began in September of the same year. Both are based in Boise, but also conduct court in Coeur d’Alene, Pocatello and Moscow.