The Hon. John T. Mitchell is a judge for the 1st Judicial District Court of Idaho. He was appointed to the bench by former Governor Dirk Kemphorne in 2001.
The 1st Judicial District includes Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai, and Shoshone Counties. Mitchell has held an assignment in Kootenai County, including presiding over the Kootenai County Mental Health Court and the Juvenile Mental Health Docket.
Prior to his appointment, he managed his own private practice since 1996. Before that, Mitchell practiced alongside his father, Thomas A. Mitchell (1986 to 1996).
He received a bachelor’s degree in communication journalism from the University of Idaho in 1980. Mitchell then completed a J.D. at the University of Idaho College of Law in 1985.
He received the University of Idaho Jim Lyle Service Award, the University of Idaho Alumni Association Service Award, and the Idaho State Bar Pro Bono Award. Mitchell was also recognized by the State of Idaho Legislative Subcommittee on Mental Health for his work on mental health issues.
He became a member of the Idaho Judicial Council in 2018.
Mitchell is a married father of three children.