Idaho Journalism Institute

Registration for 2026 Idaho Journalism Institute now open

“The Importance of the Rule of Law and Reporting on the Work of the Judiciary”

Registration is now open for the 2026 Idaho Journalism Institute, a free, day-long professional development experience designed to connect Idaho journalists, broadcasters, bloggers and podcasters with the courts. Hosted at the Idaho Supreme Court in Boise on Saturday, May 2, this collaborative program helps demystify the judiciary and strengthen reporting on the rule of law.

Presented by the University of Idaho College of Law in partnership with:

• Idaho’s state and federal courts
• Idaho Press Club
• Idaho Attorneys for Civic Education

What you’ll gain:

• Direct access to judges, court officials and legal experts
• Practical insight into how Idaho’s courts operate
• Tools for accurate, fair and informed reporting on the judiciary

Featured speakers include:
Rebecca Boone, Melissa Davlin, Audrey Dutton, Betsy Russell, Gregory Moeller, Jessica Lorello, Amanda Brailsford and others. (Full agenda available April 1.)

Featured luncheon (CLE-eligible):
Building bridges between the bar and the press — a joint session for journalists and attorneys focused on ethical communication, interview best practices and strengthening trust between reporters and the legal community.

Cost & travel support:

• Free to attend
• Travel stipends available (50+ miles)
• Friday night hotel + meals included

Space is limited — complete the following brief survey to register now, receive travel and lodging stipend consideration, and to secure your spot to learn how to build stronger connections with Idaho’s courts.

Attorneys for Civic Education Institute for Journalists

Journalists and reporters who cover Idaho courts and legal issues are invited to participate in the Institute for Journalists, a one-day program focused on the rule of law and the importance of an independent, impartial judiciary.

The inaugural institute was held on Feb. 3, 2018, bringing together 29 journalists from across Idaho at the Idaho Law & Justice Learning Center in Boise. This first-of-its-kind event provided a platform for conversations about the judiciary and best practices in court coverage. It was funded by Idaho’s federal district court, with collaborative support from the Idaho state judiciary and University of Idaho’s College of Law. The federal court continues to support the institute through grants and the involvement of judges and staff.

The event highlights the critical role of journalism in civic education, particularly in helping the public understand the function of an independent judiciary and the principles of the rule of law in media reports of court decisions. Each session includes panels featuring judges, attorneys and media professionals, along with practical resources for journalists reporting on legal matters.

Contact us

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.