After nearly 30 years, a judge from eastern Idaho will serve on Idaho Supreme Court
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REXBURG — It’s been nearly 30 years since a judge serving in eastern Idaho has been appointed to the Idaho Supreme Court but that will soon change.
Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter announced Friday that Seventh District Judge Gregory Moeller will fill the Supreme Court vacancy left by the retirement of Justice Joel Horton. Moeller was up against three other finalists, all Boise attorneys: Amanda K. Brailsford, Rebecca Rainey and Mary V. York.
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“It was a great honor when Governor Otter appointed me in 2009 to serve the people of Eastern Idaho as a district judge,” Moeller said in a statement to EastIdahoNews.com. “Today, I am deeply humbled to have again earned the Governor’s trust and confidence. I pledge to do my best in this new assignment on the Idaho Supreme Court to serve all of the citizens of Idaho by upholding the rule of law and preserving the constitutional principles we cherish.”
Moeller has served as a Seventh District Court Judge for nine years. He spent 19 years working as a private attorney at Rigby, Andrus and Moeller. His legal practice focused primarily on civil and criminal litigation and he’s tried cases throughout Idaho in both state and federal court.
“Judge Moeller brings a diverse breadth of judicial experience to the Supreme Court bench,” said Governor Otter. “He understands the complex vagaries and nuances of Idaho water law and is equally well-versed in the day-to-day challenges of juris prudence. I believe Judge Moeller will be an outstanding addition to Idaho’s highest court.”
Moeller said although it is “bittersweet” for he and his wife to move to Boise from Rexburg, they will do so with ” warm memories, deep gratitude, and excited anticipation for the adventures that await us.”
“I am mindful and so appreciative of all the support and encouragement I received from friends, the public, attorneys, and other judges,” Moeller said. “I want to especially acknowledge the tremendous support I received from my colleagues in the Seventh Judicial District Bar Association; they were instrumental in providing helpful input to the Idaho Judicial Council and the Governor.”
Otter also announced that Brailsford will serve on the state Court of Appeals, filling a vacancy created by Sergio Gutierrez’s retirement.