Hon. James H. Barrett

James Howard Barrett is a magistrate judge serving the 7th Judicial District of Idaho, primarily covering Bingham and Custer counties. Born in Madison County, he earned a B.A. from Idaho State University in 1991 before teaching English and serving as an adjunct professor at Ricks College from 1994 to 1998. He pursued a legal career, obtaining a J.D. from the Idaho College of Law in 2000 and an L.L.M. from the University of Denver in 2002. After admission to the Idaho State Bar Association, Barrett established a criminal law practice and served as a prosecutor for the cities of Bingham, Fremont, and Rexburg from 2003 to 2007. He then became a public defender for Bonneville County in July 2007, was appointed chief public defender in 2008, and held that position until his judicial appointment. On July 2, 2015, he was appointed as the magistrate judge of the 7th Judicial District, a role he continues to hold. His career reflects a strong commitment to criminal law, public service, and the Idaho legal community.