Moscow judge named to Idaho Supreme Court

Second District Court Judge John Stegner has been named to fill an Idaho Supreme Court vacancy.

Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter announced the appointment Tuesday. Stegner will succeed Justice Warren Jones, who is retiring.

Stegner was one of four finalists, including Seventh District Judge Greg Moeller of Rexburg, by the Idaho Judicial Council.

Stegner is a University of Idaho College of Law graduate. He has been a Moscow-based district judge since then-Governor Phil Batt appointed him to the position in 1996.

Stegner managed Otter’s first statewide campaign in 1978.

“I am extremely honored to have been chosen by Governor Otter to fill the open seat on Idaho’s Supreme Court,” the Grangeville native said. “I will do my utmost to live up to the responsibility placed on me.”

Stegner started the Latah County Drug Court in January 2002. He received the Idaho State Bar Distinguished Jurist Award in 2017.

“Judge Stegner’s record alone speaks volumes about his commitment to the law, his community and our state,” Governor Otter said. “He understands and has the professional acumen and civic virtue to address the underlying issues impacting Idaho’s courts. Justice Stegner will be a great addition to Idaho’s appellate bench.”