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Michael Kennedy outlines role as citizen member of Idaho Judicial Council
Summary
Michael Kennedy, nominated as a non‑attorney member of the Idaho Judicial Council, described his business background and said citizen members ask practical, clarifying questions; the committee did not take a confirmation vote and typically schedules those for a subsequent meeting.
Michael Kennedy appeared remotely to introduce himself as a nominee to serve as a non‑attorney member of the Idaho Judicial Council. "My name is Michael Kennedy. I live in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho," he told the committee, describing a business background in internet and telecommunications and noting 20 years of experience growing a local company that now employs about 95 people.
Kennedy told senators he has served on the council for eight months and that citizen members play a useful role. "I have taken a little bit of joy in asking the so‑called dumb questions as a non‑attorney," he said, adding that straightforward questions can illuminate why a particular expertise matters during interviews and deliberations. Senators asked about the boundary between judicial interpretation and policymaking; Kennedy said judges generally do not seek to make policy and that the judiciary’s job is to interpret the law.
The committee did not vote on Kennedy’s appointment during this meeting; the chair said appointments are typically taken up at the next meeting and excused the nominee after questioning.
