Criminal Justice Policies in Idaho

Idaho's criminal justice policies affect criminals and victims.Open handcuffs the law showing its teeth image by Peter Baxter from Fotolia.com

Criminal policies, such as those affecting victims, clemency and how to prosecute drug violations, are often informed by federal policies, with the details set by the state legislatures. Idaho is no exception. Idaho has a number of policies that differ from surrounding states, including clearly delineated policies concerning victim's rights.

Victim's Rights

In Idaho, the victim of a crime is guaranteed a number of rights according to Article 1, Section 22 of the constitution. The policies dictating the treatment of victims include the right to be treated fairly and with respect during the judicial process, the right to a timely treatment of the case, the right to notification of important dates and information regarding the case, the right to be present as the case proceeds, the right to contact and hear from the prosecution, the right to speak during proceedings and the right to refuse interviews that are not dictated by law.

One of Idaho's criminal justice policies is to work closely with young, violent criminals to rehabilitate them and to prevent them from committing further crimes once they've served their sentence. Young people who commit violent crimes have access to programs to help overcome substance abuse, to address mental health problems, to provide additional education and to assist with work placement.

Anyone convicted of a crime in Idaho who has served 12 months or more in a state correctional facility is eligible to apply for a commutation of the sentence. Inmates can submit up to one application for commutation a year. The inmate must fill out an application that includes a reason for the request to overturn his conviction or to change his sentence. The Idaho Commission of Pardons and Parole reviews the application and might schedule a hearing to gather more information.

Idaho's approach to fighting drug abuse combines standard criminal justice policies to fight drug trafficking, sales and abuse with a public health approach meant to treat people who are addicted. The state of Idaho provides substance abuse services to 15,000 Idahoans a year--an effort coordinated by the Office of Drug Policy.