print-only banner
The White House Skip Main Navigation
  
 Home > News & Policies > Policies in Focus

Link to Judicial Nominations Front Page
Judge N. Randy Smith

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Confirmed on February 15, 2007

  • Judge Randy Smith was confirmed on February 15, 2007 to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which hears appeals from the federal district courts of Alaska, Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.
  • Judge Randy Smith is highly qualified to serve on the Ninth Circuit, having served as a respected state judge for more than a decade. His nomination enjoyed strong bipartisan support.

  • Judge Smith served as a respected state judge for more than a decade.

    • Judge Smith was appointed as a district judge for Idaho’s Sixth Judicial District in 1995. He won reelection in 1998 and 2002. From 2004 until his elevation to the Ninth Circuit, he served as the court’s Administrative Judge.

    • As a trial judge, Judge Smith presided over more than 6,000 civil and criminal cases, including more than 50 trials and 100 appeals. He is well known for his excellent mediation skills, having mediated over 700 state and federal cases during his judicial career.

    • The American Bar Association unanimously rated Judge Smith "Well Qualified," its highest possible rating.

    • Richard Stallings, chairman of the Idaho Democratic Party, member of the Pocatello City Council, and former Idaho congressman (1985-93), describes Judge Smith as “a fine judge.” Speaking of mediations that Judge Smith handled involving the City of Pocatello, Stallings stated: "In both cases, he served us very well….He had done his homework and was frank with people."

    • Fred Hoopes, an Idaho Democrat, lawyer, and former state bar president, has said that Judge Smith is “a great judge” and “a great guy,” describing him as "ethical, consistent, [and] conservative."

  • Judge Smith has valuable experience as a corporate lawyer, appellate and trial litigator, and professor in addition to his service on the bench.

    • Following graduation from Brigham Young University Law School in 1977, Judge Smith worked as counsel for the J.R. Simplot Company. He specialized in handling corporate, business, and tax law matters.

    • From 1982 to 1995, Judge Smith practiced as a civil litigator with the law firm of Merrill & Merrill, focusing on corporate civil litigation and insurance defense cases. As part of his appellate work, he argued two cases before the Ninth Circuit.

    • Judge Smith serves as an adjunct professor in the management and political science departments of Idaho State University, where he has taught courses in business law, legal environment, and judicial process. He previously taught accounting classes at Boise State University and Brigham Young University.

  • Judge Smith is dedicated to serving his community in many capacities.

    • In 2005, Judge Smith received Idaho State University’s “Statesman of the Year” award, which is presented each year to an Idahoan who makes a significant contribution to the welfare of Idaho. Judge Smith was honored for his efforts to reduce crime and prevent recidivism.

    • In 2003, Judge Smith received the Idaho Court system’s George G. Granada, Jr. Award for Professionalism as a trial judge, in recognition of his demonstrated professionalism and for motivating and inspiring his colleagues on the bench by character and action.

    • In 2004-2005, Judge Smith was the first adjunct faculty member to be selected as the Outstanding Teacher by the Idaho State University College of Business.

    • Judge Smith has given significant service as a leader in several community organizations, including the Gate City Rotary Club and the Boys Scouts of America.

    • Judge Smith has served as a lay leader in his church, and he and his wife are involved in community and church activities.