481 P.3d 723
Idaho2021Background
- In May 2011 the magistrate entered a standard-form no-contact order (expiring May 25, 2012).\
- Gorringe pleaded guilty to attempted strangulation; at sentencing the court rescinded the magistrate order but incorporated no-contact provisions into the January 30, 2012 Judgment and Commitment rather than using the separate Rule 46.2 form.\
- The 2012 Judgment’s no-contact language omitted required elements (no termination date, no distance restriction, no penalty advisories) and was not on the separate form.\
- Gorringe appealed in 2012 on a Rule 5.1 ground only; the Court of Appeals affirmed and remittitur issued in March 2013.\
- In 2017–18 Gorringe was charged with a misdemeanor for allegedly violating the 2012 no-contact provision; the parties stipulated to an amendment of the 2012 order (and dismissal of the misdemeanor), and the district court—though doubtful it had jurisdiction—entered the amendment.\
- The Idaho Supreme Court reversed: the 2012 no-contact provisions were unenforceable for failing to comply with I.C.R. 46.2, and the district court lacked subject-matter jurisdiction to amend the final judgment after remittitur.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Validity of the 2012 no-contact provision | The State: order was effectively validated by later stipulation and amendment | Gorringe: the provision never complied with I.C.R. 46.2 (no expiry, no distance, no penalty notice; not on separate form) | The provision was unenforceable for failing to meet Rule 46.2 requirements |
| Whether law-of-the-case bars challenge | The State: Gorringe should have raised validity on his 2012 appeal | Gorringe: no reason to challenge then because earlier magistrate order indicated an expiration in 2012 | Law-of-the-case did not bar the challenge; jurisdictional issues may be raised anytime |
| Whether the district court had jurisdiction to amend in 2018 | The State: parties stipulated and victim consented; amendment cured defects | Gorringe: once judgment became final after remittitur, court lost jurisdiction; parties cannot confer subject-matter jurisdiction | Court lacked subject-matter jurisdiction to amend a final judgment; the amendment was void |
Key Cases Cited
- State v. Castro, 145 Idaho 173 (explaining Rule 46.2 history and directing termination dates on no-contact orders)
- State v. Cobler, 148 Idaho 769 (holding Rule 46.2 requires an expiration date)
- State v. Hillbroom, 158 Idaho 789 (stressing compliance with Rule 46.2 content requirements)
- State v. Jakoski, 139 Idaho 352 (finality of judgment extinguishes trial court jurisdiction absent statutory rule)
- Fairway Dev. Co. v. Bannock Cnty., 119 Idaho 121 (parties cannot create subject-matter jurisdiction by stipulation)
- State v. Lute, 150 Idaho 837 (orders entered without subject-matter jurisdiction are void and subject to collateral attack)
- State v. McIntosh, 160 Idaho 1 (jurisdiction in criminal cases is conferred by filing of charging document)
