Probate Courts.—­The Probate Court is essentially a court of record and has original jurisdiction in all matters of probate.  It is in this court that settlement is made of the estate of deceased persons and that guardians are appointed.  The Probate Court may try all civil cases wherein the debt or damage claimed does not exceed five hundred dollars; its jurisdiction in criminal cases is concurrent with that of justices of the peace.

Court of Justice of the Peace.—­Every county is divided into precincts, in each one of which there is a Justice of the Peace.  He has jurisdiction in all civil cases arising in his district wherein the amount in consideration is not more than three hundred dollars and in cases classed as misdemeanors.

There are also police courts in cities for the trial of the violators of the city ordinances.  The presiding officers of such courts are called police judges.

Amendments.—­Amendments to the Constitution may be submitted in two ways:  first, by being proposed by two-thirds of both houses of the Legislature; second, by being proposed by a convention called for that purpose.

The amendment thus submitted must be approved by the people at a popular election.

SCHOOLS.

The State of Idaho supports the following educational institutions:  State University, State Normal Schools at Lewiston and Albion, Academy of Idaho at Pocatello, and the Industrial School at St. Anthony.  Each of these institutions is governed by a board of trustees appointed by the Governor for a term of years.  The boards have the general management of the schools.  They build and furnish school buildings, employ and dismiss teachers and employees, prescribe the course of study and the conditions under which students are admitted to the respective institutions.

The Governor is kept well informed on the conditions of the various institutions by regular reports which he requires of the several boards of trustees.  The reports set forth a detailed account of all expenditures for the two years just closing and make an estimate of the amount of funds needed for the maintenance of the institution for two years hence.

Each school is supported by biennial appropriations made by the State Legislature and by funds received as interest on money derived from the sale of public lands set aside by the State or National Government for their use.

The amount of land set aside for the use of the State educational institutions is as follows:  State University, including School of Science and Agricultural College, 286,000 acres; Lewiston Normal, 50,000 acres; Albion Normal, 50,000 acres; Academy of Idaho, 40,000 acres; Industrial Reform School, 40,000 acres.