COEUR d’ALENE — Judge John Cafferty is now a district judge for Idaho’s First Judicial District, which includes the five northern counties.

Idaho Gov. Brad Little announced the appointment Wednesday. Cafferty, who has served as a magistrate judge in Kootenai County since 2020, will fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge John T. Mitchell. 

“I would like to thank the governor for his confidence in affording me this opportunity to serve the state of Idaho,” Cafferty said in a news release. “I look forward to continuing the legacy of impartial and efficient judicial service in the First Judicial District specifically and Idaho generally.” 

Before he took the bench, Cafferty had nearly a decade of private practice experience and spent 11 years as a civil prosecutor in Kootenai County. He previously served as the city attorney for Post Falls. 

When a judicial vacancy occurs, Idaho’s governor appoints a judge from a list of at least three qualified candidates provided by the Idaho Judicial Council. Judges then run in nonpartisan elections to remain on the court.