The Montana Legislature’s Partisan Attack on Judicial Independence
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-10-2025
Source Publication Abbreviation
State Court Report
Abstract
This article analyzes the Montana Legislature’s efforts to undermine judicial independence through partisan reforms. It details proposals to shift judicial elections from nonpartisan to partisan contests, expand legislative oversight of courts, and influence judicial decision-making. Highlighting concerns over campaign spending and constitutional checks and balances, the piece warns that these measures threaten the judiciary’s neutrality and erode public trust in Montana’s coequal branches of government.
Recommended Citation
Van Kley, Constance, "The Montana Legislature’s Partisan Attack on Judicial Independence" (2025). Faculty Journal Articles & Other Writings. 168.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/faculty_barjournals/168