Opinion ID: 1215806
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: idaho tort claims act

Text: The court below determined that Kootenai County was not legally obligated to pay the judgment entered against Sheriff Fladwed since the loss sustained did not come within the coverage of either the Foremost or Western policy. Judge Prather reasoned that since Kootenai County was the named insured under both the Foremost and Western policies, and since the judgment was entered solely against the sheriff, then the County was not legally obligated to pay a judgment against the sheriff. Both insurers' policies have specific language stating that they will only pay claims or judgments for which the named insured has become legally obligated to pay. The reasoning of the court below is based upon the premise that the County was only liable for claims against it as a governmental entity as expressed under the 1971 version of the Idaho Tort Claims Act, I.C. § 6-901, et seq. It was not until the Tort Claims Act was amended in 1976 that a governmental entity shall provide a defense to its employee and be responsible for the payment of any judgment ... against an employee. I.C. § 6-903(b). Since the loss resulting from Sheriff Fladwed's improper execution sale occurred on December 17, 1975  more than three full months prior to the 1976 amendment  Judge Prather determined that the County could not be legally liable for the judgment against the sheriff unless I.C. § 6-903(b) were applied retroactively. Kootenai County obtained insurance coverage under both the Foremost and Western policies to protect its sheriffs from penalties such as those established by I.C. § 11-303. Kootenai County has every right to obtain insurance coverage for its employees in order to protect the integrity of their offices as well as any individuals who may come to any harm or loss due to the negligence of its officers operating in the course of their employment. Since this action is based upon rights held and responsibilities due under an insurance contract, it is unnecessary to pursue the issue of the applicability of the Idaho Tort Claims Act. Kootenai County has sued upon its contractual rights as expressed within the confines of the applicable insurance policies. Foremost and Western ignored their contractual duties to defend Sheriff Fladwed and pay all damages that are covered under their respective policies. We therefore decline to address the applicability of the Idaho Tort Claims Act to this case.