Former prosecutor puts on judge's robe

While the last woman to sit on the Magistrate Court bench in Nez Perce County went on to become the chief justice of the

Idaho Supreme Court, Michelle Evans has her sights set on a more immediate future.

"We're going to focus on one day at a time," Evans said Friday morning, shortly after she was sworn in by 2nd District Judge Jeff M. Brudie. "I'm incredibly grateful and excited to begin. And, of course, I'm very honored."

Evans, a longtime Latah County deputy prosecutor, said filling the shoes of former Idaho Supreme Court Justice Linda Copple Trout won't be easy. Trout, one of the state's best-known jurists, was appointed as a Nez Perce County magistrate in 1983 before serving long terms as a 2nd District judge and Supreme Court justice.

A 19-year veteran of the Latah County Prosecutor's office, Evans rose to the rank of chief deputy, and was known for her meticulous preparations for

trial. She ran several high-profile prosecutions that led to lengthy prison sentences for murderers, rapists and child molesters.

And even though she made a habit of beating defense attorneys, Evans said the experience won't affect her ability to be impartial and give each defendant a fair shake.

"As a prosecutor, your job is about seeking justice," she said, "and that carries over to being a judge as well. You're about justice and fairness in the system. Your purpose is to hear all sides of (a case), and make a decision."

Evans replaces Jay P. Gaskill, who was appointed to the 2nd District bench in February after Judge Carl B. Kerrick retired. She grew up in Bonners Ferry, earned her law degree from the University of Idaho and had a brief job in the Lewis County Prosecutor's Office before moving on to Latah County.

As the acting trial court administrator, Gaskill presided over the swearing-in ceremony in Courtroom 1 at the Nez Perce County Courthouse. Gaskill noted the large turnout for the event, which included Evans' family, friends and both former and future colleagues.

"I'd like everyone to know that I was recently sworn in in front of fewer people," he joked.

Later, Terry Evans draped his wife's new black judicial robe around her shoulders after she took an oath to uphold the federal and state constitutions. Evans signed some paperwork and it was official. Her first day on the bench is Monday.

She, Terry and their two sons are looking for a home in Nez Perce County, since that is a requirement of the job.

"I'm definitely looking forward to it," she said of all the coming changes to her life. "I think it's going to be a wonderful position."

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Mills may be contacted at jmills@lmtribune.com or (208) 848-2266.