The Ada files: What is Diane Walker hiding?
All her cases were closed to the public, and no one could explain why.
I flew to Idaho hoping to catch a glimpse of one of my favorite judges, Magistrate Diane Walker, but on day one, I failed to watch her hold court.
In front of the Ada County Courthouse, I was greeted by protesters arguing for “due process.”
With due process on my mind, I was excited to enter courtroom 406, where Magistrate Diane Walker presided over cases today.
The docket on the computers listed four cases for Magistrate Diane Walker for today, Monday May 19, 2025, however, the paper sheet in front of her courtroom listed no court hearings.
I spoke to the Ada County Clerk’s Office, and they said that all custody cases- cases involving children- are sealed.
That purported rule makes no sense. Last year, I covered the child custody case of Kyle Engels and Veronica Baiz. That case was sealed after my involvement.
The motion stated in part, “Please see the declaration of Sam Dotters-Katz Re Petitioner’s motion to seal judicial records.”
Why would such a motion be needed if custody cases are sealed automatically?
After that motion was filed, the case was sealed. Last year, the case appeared on the Ada County court docket.
Now, the court case is no longer on the docket.
Idaho rules state only child protection cases are closed.
Furthermore, the Idaho constitution states that all court hearings are open to the public, “Justice to be freely and speedily administered. Courts of justice shall be open to every person, and a speedy remedy afforded for every injury of person, property or character, and right and justice shall be administered without sale, denial, delay, or prejudice.”
The Ada County Clerk’s Office told me that they would provide the administrative order which seals all custody cases, however, the clerk then said the presiding judge refused to provide this rule and gave me Magistrate Walker’s card.
I left a message with Magistrate Walker’s office, but I didn’t receive a response.
Check out my interview from last year with Jeff Murray, another Magistrate Walker victim.
Update:
Magistrate Walker’s chambers reached me after publication. The chambers said that most of her hearings were open. The hearings on Monday May 19, 2025, were on Zoom and this was why the courtroom was closed. The chambers said hearings over Zoom should have been open. The chambers said protective order hearings are closed. The chambers said that settlement conferences are also closed. The chambers said there is a trial on Friday. I should be able to attend.
