KOOTENAI COUNTY, Idaho — Voters in Idaho’s First Judicial District will have a choice between two candidates for an open district judge seat. The district includes Kootenai, Shoshone, Benewah, Bonner and Boundary counties and the candidate who wins the election will fill the open seat left by Judge Barbara Duggan’s upcoming retirement in Shoshone County.
Lisa Chesebro is currently the Trial Court Administrator in Kootenai County. She is a married mother who holds “respect for all faiths and for those of no faith”.
When Ms. Chesebro was given the opportunity to tell the electorate more about her candidacy and why voters should cast a ballot for her, she stated, “Voters deserve a judge who is prepared, even-tempered, independent, and committed to equal justice for every person who enters the courtroom. If elected, I will work every day to earn and keep the public’s trust.”
The following is Ms. Chesebro’s written interview questionnaire in its entirety. She candidly addresses inquiries into her candidacy to include her judicial philosophy, how she would practice judicial restraint and how she would handle high-profile cases.
- Name: Lisa Chesebro
- Age: 45
- Marital Status: Married
- Are you a parent? Yes
- County of Residency: Shoshone
- Religious Affiliation: Respect for all faiths and for those of no faith; personal beliefs do not guide judicial decisions.
- Do you have any history of state or federal tax liens? No.
- Have you ever had your driving privileges suspended? Yes.
In 2020, during one of the hardest years of my life, I made a serious mistake and was charged with DUI in Kootenai County. That same year, my father was in hospice and passed away, and I was dealing with grief and family hardship. I ‘m not sharing this to make excuses. I’m sharing it because accountability matters. I took responsibility, completed everything required by the court, and received a withheld judgment.
That experience taught me a lot about personal responsibility, humility, and how quickly life can test you. None of us are defined only by our worst moment. We are defined by how we respond, what we learn, and how we move forward. I’ve worked hard to grow from that chapter, and I remain committed to living with honesty, responsibility, and compassion.
- As an attorney, in what area of the law do you have the most familiarity? I have the most experience in criminal law, however, my years of legal work has given me substantial experience in litigation, courtroom procedure, legal research, motion practice, and case resolution.
- How would you characterize your judicial philosophy? My judicial philosophy is straightforward: apply the law as written, follow binding precedent, treat every person with dignity, and decide cases impartially based on the facts presented in court. A judge’s role is not to make policy, but to faithfully uphold the law.
- How does a judge interpret statutory or constitutional provisions without contemplation of personal values or views? A judge begins with the text, considers the structure of the law, reviews controlling precedent, and applies accepted rules of interpretation. Personal opinions must be set aside. The judicial oath requires neutrality and fidelity to the law rather than individual preference.
- Do you believe originalism should be used to interpret the constitution? Courts should use the interpretive methods required by binding precedent and applicable law. In some contexts, historical understanding may be relevant; in others, precedent and established doctrine provide the governing framework. My responsibility would be to follow the law as articulated by higher courts.
- How will you practice judicial restraint? Judicial restraint means deciding only the issues properly before the court, avoiding unnecessary rulings, respecting the limits of judicial authority, and leaving policy choices to the legislative branch unless the law requires judicial intervention.
- In areas where the law allows for judicial discretion, what factors will you consider in your decisions? I would consider the facts of the case, statutory factors, public safety, fairness to all parties, proportionality, consistency, credibility of the evidence, and any mitigating or aggravating circumstances recognized by law. Discretion should be principled, not arbitrary.
- How will you ensure that you will remain impartial, not favoring either the defense or prosecution (or plaintiff/respondent in civil cases)? Impartiality requires preparation, patience, equal treatment of counsel and litigants, consistent application of courtroom rules, and decisions grounded solely in admissible evidence and governing law. If a conflict or appearance of bias exists, recusal should be considered where appropriate.
- How would you handle a high-profile criminal case? I would manage the case the same way I would any other case: by applying the law fairly and maintaining courtroom order. Where necessary, I would use available tools such as scheduling controls, careful jury procedures, and decorum rules to protect the parties’ right to a fair trial.
- How would you handle a high-profile civil case with political implications? Political attention cannot influence judicial decision-making. My focus would remain on jurisdiction, procedure, evidence, and the applicable law. Every litigant deserves a neutral forum regardless of public interest or outside commentary.
- How will you maintain decorum in your courtroom? By setting clear expectations, treating everyone respectfully, being punctual and prepared, enforcing rules consistently, and addressing misconduct promptly and professionally. A well-run courtroom promotes confidence in the justice system.
- The Idaho legislature recently updated a law to allow for the death penalty to be sought in cases charged with aggravated lewd conduct against a minor under age 12. Do you hold any moral objection to presiding over death penalty cases? A judge’s personal views cannot control the outcome of any case. If assigned such matters, I would faithfully apply the law, safeguard constitutional rights, ensure due process, and follow all required procedures with the seriousness such cases demand.
- How will you promote transparency of the judicial process in your courtroom? Transparency begins with clear rulings, understandable explanations of courtroom procedure, open proceedings when permitted by law, timely scheduling, and written decisions when appropriate. The public should be able to see that cases are handled fairly and professionally.
- What would you like the electorate to know regarding your candidacy and why should an eligible voter cast a ballot for you? I am seeking this office to serve the community with integrity, fairness, and respect for the rule of law. Voters deserve a judge who is prepared, even-tempered, independent, and committed to equal justice for every person who enters the courtroom. If elected, I will work every day to earn and keep the public’s trust.
Editor’s note: Both judicial candidates seeking election for the open district judge seat were offered an on- or off-camera interview on April 10, 2026 via email. Ms. Chesebro requested a written questionnaire interview, which was provided via email on April 16 and returned on April 20. Mr. Allen was interviewed on April 16 in Hayden, Idaho. Both candidates were presented with the same questions. Ms. Chesebro’s interview and Mr. Allen’s interview were published on the evening of April 21.
