Jury trials in most Idaho counties are on hold because of Covid, which means they are trying to resolve more cases through mediation. Otherwise it could be years before these cases go to trial. I work in the criminal justice system in Idaho. It's not unusual for felony cases to be mediated. It's much more common now because of Covid. Mediation does not necessarily mean the charges will be reduced (although that can be one possible outcome) or that the sentence will be more lenient. I've seen plenty of mediated cases that end up with the defendant pleading guilty and going to prison, sometimes for a long time.
In the past, it was less common for misdemeanor cases to be mediated -- although with covid misdemeanor cases are now frequently going to mediation, at least in some parts of Idaho.
I'm at a loss as to how two charges which could result in (respectively,) a life sentence and/or 25 years can go to mediation, especially when the alleged abuser has pleaded not guilty.
IMO you mediate small offenses, not some of the biggest ones.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/16/2021 04:21PM by summer.
Sadly this is church doctrine taught in general conference. Victims of abuse were told to meet with bishops so the could repent of their part in the abuse.
I never watched another session of conference after that and decided if I ever had daughters or granddaughters they'd never set foot in a mormon church.