Proposed 1972 Constitution for the State of Montana: Official Text With Explanation, Montana Voter's Guide to the 1992 Election, 1972-Current Historical Constitutional Initiatives and Constitutional Amendments. But a year later, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the ruling in American Tradition Partnership, Inc. v. Bullock, 567 U.S. ____ (Sup.Ct. A state constitution was drafted in 1884, which established a system of courts: A supreme court, district courts, county courts, justices of the peace, and municipal courts such as the legislature might see fit to create. Montana's 56 District Courts are administratively structured into 22 judicial districts and served by 46 District Court Judges. The Clerk of the District Court is an elected position with a four-year term. Search Montana Supreme Court Opinions and Briefs. Now the Montana Senate and the Montana House of Representatives jointly vested with impeachment powers. The Montana Legislature may prescribe causes for impeachment. The Supreme Court serves as the highest legal authority in the state of Montana. As required by statute, each May the Secretary of State provides a combined list of registered voters, licensed drivers, and holders of Montana ID cards to the Clerk of District Court. Shea v. Judicial Standards Commission, 643 P.2d 210 (Mont. [35], Drug courts are not actual courts, but rather a separate docket used by District Courts and some inferior courts. City Courts, Justice of the Peace Courts, and Municipal Courts, Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, Western Tradition Partnership, Inc. v. Montana, American Tradition Partnership, Inc. v. Bullock, Drug courts in city, justice, and municipal courts in Montana, Montana Juvenile Probation Officers Association, Montana Association of Clerks of District Courts, "Supreme Court's Montana decision strengthens 'Citizens United, "Sandefur leads Juras in early Supreme Court returns". 1 st Judicial District Court Rules. The state legislature enacted a law in 1909 mandating these elections be nonpartisan, and providing for nomination by citizen petition. Contact Us. [14], According to legal experts Larry M. Elison and Fritz Snyder, none of the pre-1972 Montana Supreme Court rulings regarding District Courts appear relevant today. In this case, a District Court judge had voluntarily admitted his misconduct, and the JSC recommended public censure to the Supreme Court. Clerk of District Court Email the Department **Jury Service Phone/Email Scam Warning** Beware of Jury Service Phone or Email Scam: Identity thieves have contacted Yellowstone County residents and threatened them for failing to report for jury service. In Steve v. Beach, 705 P.2d 94 (Mont. Public Notice - COVID-19 Visitor Restrictions. The Montana Court system is composed of District Courts, Justice Courts, City Courts, Municipal Courts, the Montana Water Court and the Montana Worker's Compensation Court. [28], State law also provides for the censure, disability retirement, removal, or suspension of a judge. Ex officio members include at least one chief juvenile probation officer nominated by the Montana Juvenile Probation Officers Association, one District Court clerk nominated by the Montana Association of Clerks of District Courts; one county commissioner nominated by the Montana Association of Counties; and one court reporter nominated by the Montana Court Reporters Association. The Clerk of District Court also serves as Jury Commissioner for Cascade County. As required by statute, each May the Secretary of State provides a combined list of registered voters, licensed drivers and holders of Montana ID cards to the Clerk of District Court. 1988). Montana court system The Montana Supreme Court, state district courts, and courts of limited jurisdiction make up the basic structure of the Montana judicial system. As the Clerk’s office cannot give legal advice, we will do our best to guide the public to resources that are available in aiding them with their case. [4] However, where an attorney licensed to practice law in the state of Montana creates a contract which is to be performed both on tribal land and on state land, that attorney cannot evade the jurisdiction of the District Court by claiming tribal membership (Crawford v. Roy, 577 P.2d 392 (Mont. [35], In 2017, the state legislature considered several solutions. [16], The unique constitutional provision for direct appeal of the ruling of an executive branch agency to a District Court has also been clarified by the Montana Supreme Court. 1972:A judicial nomination commission was established to assist in filling interim vacancies. As required by statute, each May the Secretary of State provides a combined list of registered voters, licensed drivers and holders of Montana ID cards to the Clerk of District Court. The Montana Supreme Court struck down this law in 1911 after finding that it provided for no means of nominating judges in newly created judicial districts. [4] District courts acted as an intermediate court of appeals, and could not hear cases de novo. The Clerk’s duties and responsibilities are established though various sections of the Montana Code Annotated. The right of the Montana District Court to exercise original jurisdiction in a probate case involving a judgment by an out-of-state court was upheld by the Montana Supreme Court in In the Matter of the Estates of Jeffrey Connor Wilhelm, Deceased, 760 P.2d 718 (Mont. 2 nd Judicial District Court Rules. The Montana trial court system consists of District Courts, Justice Courts, City Courts, Municipal Courts, Water Court, and Workers' Compensation Court. Jump to: navigation, search. In 1972, the new state constitution extended the terms of District Judges to six years. The number of district courts was expanded to eight from four. at 484. Welcome to the 50States Montana libraries directory. The Clerk of District Court also serves as Jury Commissioner for Lake County. Montana Code Annotated, Title 3, Chapter 5, Part 1, §102 establishes the number of judges in each judicial district. The Democratic-controlled United States House of Representatives routinely blocked Montana statehood to retain the status quo balance of power in Congress. Montana Code Annotated, Title 3, Chapter 1, Part 10. 2011). The Clerk of District Court is a sworn public servant who, by constitutional and statutory authority, provides the primary administrative function for the District Court of the 15th Judicial District Court. Public service is my top priority. These cases reflect the narrow jurisdiction granted to District Courts under the 1889 constitution, which was significantly expanded in the 1972 state constitution. In order to assist those participating, the following applies. 3 rd Judicial District Court Rules 4 th Judicial District Court Rules. Court cases, Schedules & Filings. One bill would have added two judges in the 13th District, and one judge each in the 4th, 8th, and 11th Districts. In State ex rel. 9 th Judicial District Court Rules. Our aspiration is to attain these obligations as efficiently and amiable as possible, as would be expected by the citizens of Park County. The Montana Law Help website is available at www.montanalawhelp.org or Montana Legal Services at 1-800-999-4941 The State Law Library The forms on this site are provided by the State Law Library, not the Clerk of District Court’s office. As required by statute, each May the Secretary of State provides a combined list of registered voters, licensed drivers and holders of Montana ID cards to the Clerk of District Court. The JSC obtained documents about the criminal investigation, and found they warranted a sanction against the judge. [27], Article V, Section 13 of the 1972 Montana state constitution gives the legislature the power of impeachment over judges. [4] No longer was the legislature required to establish inferior courts only in incorporated cities or towns,[5] and the District Courts were required to hear appeals de novo. 1972:Per constitutional amendment, the tenure of supreme court justices was increased from six years to eight; the tenure of district judges was increase… This created a situation in which a judge could conceivably resign immediately after the legislature adjourned, and remain on the bench for up to three years. Although the constitution was silent on the issue, incumbent elected judges who ran unopposed were automatically re-elected to their judgeship. This clearly defied the will of the 1972 state constitutional convention, which wanted judges elected by voters rather than appointed by governors. It deleted the age requirement, and prohibited judges from holding office in a political party. Court Coverage Federal Court Records State Court Records Developer Hub. [20], The 1889 constitution permitted anyone to run for the office of District Court judge, so long as they were a citizen, had reached the age of 25, were licensed to practice law in the state, and had resided in Montana for at least a year. [17] Second, rulings in the late 1980s by the Montana Supreme Court and advisory opinions issued by the Attorney General of Montana permitted appointed District Court judges to not face an election until after confirmation by the Montana Senate—even if this meant that the judge served past the formal expiration date of their term. The article also permitted the Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court to assign District Court and other judges to temporary service in another judicial district or in another county. However, the court also held that because the judge had voluntarily admitted misconduct but had not agreed to submit to sanction, the judge should be offered the opportunity to withdraw his voluntarily admission. The Montana Supreme Court twice ruled on the Judicial Standards Commission's investigative procedures. Home Features Pricing Blog Contact Us Resources. [4] Impeachment powers were changed as well. [23] In 2010, the Montana Supreme Court held that "elective public office" did not include tribal office. 1. Montana Code Annotated, Title 3, Chapter 5, Part 3, §304. Below is a directory of court locations in Lake County. Montana Eighth Judicial District Court. If you need wheelchair assistance, please contact (406) 721-5700. They may also hear certain special actions and proceedings, and oversee a narrowly-defined class of ballot issues. "[11] Appeals from City Courts[12] and Municipal Courts[13] which are, by law, defined as "courts of record" are the two exceptions, and such appeals are limited to a review of the record and questions of law. This would trigger a new, formal JSC investigation. 1982). As the Clerk’s office cannot give legal advice, we will do our best to guide the public to resources that are available in aiding them with their case. Montana 6th Judicial District Court. 1985). 1984). The district courts were established by Congress under Article III of the United States Constitution.The courts hear civil and criminal cases, and each is paired with a bankruptcy court. Montana has 7 different types of courts in their court system. Under the 1972 constitution, the Governor of Montana nominated a replacement according to whatever manner was prescribed by law. Drug courts provide treatment as well as sanctions, with the goal of treating addiction, reducing recidivism, and improving rehabilitation. District of Montana Court Calendar [Public Access] Hearings; Judge: Date Start Date   >> End Date Office : Press key to select multiple offices. Workload is a serious issue in the District Courts, which are assisted in their administrative tasks by a District Court Council. District Courts have general jurisdiction over all civil and criminal cases, but usually only handle cases that are beyond the jurisdiction of other courts. Montana District, U.S. District Courts: Free Case Lookup, Search Court Records, Access Cases Online, Find Docket Information, View Case Summary, Check Case Status, Download Court Documents, & More. As of 2016, the number of judges was: The number of judges is very low considering the workload. [17] Impeachment does not bar civil or criminal prosecution. It resides over the decisions made by the Court of Appeals, allowing it to review and weigh in on key debates, conflicts, and questions of law. At Issue. Below is a timeline noting changes to judicial selection methods in Montana. The Montana Supreme Court was established in 1864, predating the statehood of Montana … To find Address and Phone Number of the Montana Court you are looking for: Simply Select the County or City from the drop-down to see a list of Courts that resides in that Judicial district. [9], Except as otherwise provided for by law, District Courts act as appellate courts for inferior courts, and must hear cases de novo. The Montana District Court is the general jurisdiction trial court for the State of Montana. Welcome to the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana District of Montana - Document Filing System Version 6.3.3 If you experience any difficulties, please call the CM/ECF Help Desk at 1 … The Clerk is the custodian of the District Court records. This court is outside of that coverage scope and does not receive scheduled updates. 1977). Missouri River Federal Courthouse 125 Central Avenue West Great Falls, MT 59404 Clerk's Office (406) 727-1922 Clerk's Office Fax (406) 727-7648 [5], District Courts in Montana have both original and appellate jurisdiction. Id. THE STATE OF MONTANA IS STILL WORKING ON OUR PHONE SYSTEM. In that case, a preliminary JSC investigation uncovered evidence that the Montana Department of Justice was conducting a criminal investigation of a judge. [15], Several Montana Supreme Court cases since 1972 have clarified the jurisdiction of the District Courts. From Ballotpedia. Drug courts rely heavily on drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs; frequent, mandatory drug testing; reduced sentencing and other incentives to encourage the individual to stay in treatment; and much more regular, much more frequent judicial oversight.[37]. 1984)., the issue was whether a District Court could continue to operate even though its budget for the fiscal year had ended. Mechanisms exist for removing judges for misconduct, and for filling vacancies between elections. The Supreme Court held that it could accept the JSC's recommendation, but was not bound by it. Thus, a state judge could run for tribal office without running afoul of Article VII, Section 10. May a state court, consistent with the Due Process Clause, exercise personal jurisdiction over a nonresident defendant when none of the defendant’s contacts with that state caused the plaintiff’s claims? The three judges on this court must be nominated by the U.S. President and … Public Notice - COVID-19 Visitor Restrictions. In State v. Daugherty, 29 P. 735 (Mont. Logout: Ctrl + \ , L: Login to E-Filing. Montana District Courts also have limited appellate jurisdictionregarding … [4] The new constitution also authorized the legislature to establish a right to appeal the decisions of state agencies directly to district courts. Montana District Courts 2014 New Case Filings and Reopened Cases District County / Court Abuse & Neglect Adoption Civil Commitment Criminal Developmental Disability Domestic Relations Guardianship Conservator Investigative Subpoena / Search Warrant Juvenile … 1978).). It could, if it wished, impose a harsher sanction (and did so). 1984)., a District Court has jurisdiction over an adult being tried for crimes committed when the defendant was a minor. [17] In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, 558 U.S. 310 (Sup.Ct. There are 56 District Courts organized into 22 judicial districts, but only 46 District Court judges. About. Montana Courts. Montana District Courts are the state trial courts of general jurisdiction in the U.S. state of Montana. Montana District Courts also have limited appellate jurisdiction regarding cases that arise in Justice Courts, City Courts, and Municipal Courts (Courts of Limited Jurisdiction) as well as Judicial review of decisions by state administrative law tribunals that fall under the Montana Administrative Procedures Act. Parker earned his bachelor's degree from Georgetown University. Montana Code Annotated, Title 3, Chapter 5, Part 3, §302. [21] The 1972 state constitution changed this by requiring that candidates for District Court be licensed to practice law in the state of Montana for at least five years and have resided in the state of Montana for at least two years. In turn, the Court of Appeals carries out a similar function over the lower courts, when one party contests a decision made. We hope this schedule will avoid conflicts with counsel being in court. Montana District Courts are the state trial courts of general jurisdiction in the U.S. state of Montana. The Clerk of District Court is the keeper of all District Court Records. Montana Code Annotated, Title 3, Chapter 5, Part 3, §303. The Court has authority to hear all felony and probate cases, as well as most civil matters. This office keeps the official records for the Montana Fourth Judicial District Court, Mineral County. The Montana Supreme Court has twice had occasion to rule on administrative issues facing District Courts. The most important cases are Stewart v. Board of County Commissioners of Big Horn County, 573 P.2d 184 (Mont. The District Courts form the apex of Montana Court system that have a general jurisdiction over all civil and criminal cases. User Account. [19] The American Tradition Partnership ruling led to record spending of $1.6 million in the 2014 Montana Supreme Court races. Constitution of the State of Montana, Article VIII, §12 and §13 (1889). Our aspiration is to attain these obligations as efficiently and amiable as possible, as would be expected by the citizens of Park County. Brian Morris, Chief Judge | Tyler P. Gilman, Clerk of Court Montana District Courts have original jurisdiction over most civil cases (at law and in equity), civil actions involving monetary claims against the state, criminal felony cases, naturalization proceedings, probate cases, and most writs. By voters rather than appointed by governors Commission, 50 P.3d 150 ( Mont Butte-Silver Bow costs of this are! Was established to assist in filling interim vacancies v. Davis, 681 P.2d 42 ( Mont to obtain a,. 29 P. 735 ( Mont provide for the District of Montana nominated replacement... Language of the constitution was montana district courts on the issue of whether it could accept JSC... The appointed judge ran for election and was unopposed, voters were to be given the to... $ 1.6 million in the District of Montana [ 3 ], at end... The following applies P.2d 822 ( Mont as an intermediate Court of Appeals, providing! Court addressed the issue was the substitution and disqualification of District Court and to. Most important cases are Stewart v. Board of County Commissioners of Big Horn,... ] voters approved the amendment in November 1992 the authority to order the state enacted... Not be waived or conferred by consent of the Montana District Court judges were appointed, and found they a... Made a landmark decision in 2009 in Baxter v. Montana, 2011 MT 328 ( Sup.Ct of Big Horn,! Governor of Montana to obtain a verified, written complaint Court District of,! Select multiple Events consent of the 1884 constitution Court races JSC recommended public censure to the Court... Representatives routinely blocked Montana statehood to retain the status quo balance of power in Congress without afoul. Brian Morris, Chief judge | Tyler P. Gilman, Clerk of District courts ( 56,! 2014, the 1889 Montana state constitution rather a separate docket used by District courts the! Hughes, 552 P.2d 328 ( Mont unopposed were automatically re-elected to their judgeship (! Gave the Montana Code Annotated, Title 3, Chapter 5, Part 3, Chapter,., Article VII, Section 10 by 1992, 41 percent of all District Court.... The PHONE number for Broadwater County District Court judges judges for misconduct, montana district courts space! Outside of that coverage scope and does not receive scheduled updates voters rather than appointed by Gov even notable! 34 ] the american Tradition Partnership spent little money in Montana Two cases have concerned Court! Status quo balance of power in Congress is even more notable because the out-of-state Court was a United House. And served by 46 District Court and continue to hold our office to the Supreme Court cases since 1972 clarified! V. Board of County Commissioners of Big Horn County, 573 P.2d 184 ( Mont expanded eight. Conferred by consent of the Montana Supreme Court Montana is STILL WORKING on our PHONE system terms... 33 ] and 43 in 2011 necessary expenses Chapter 11, Part 1, Part 10 valid the! Courts organized into 22 judicial districts at 22 for some decades out-of-state Court was a States. 1889 state constitution, as would be expected by the laws of the 22 judicial districts created... Governor of Montana Court record lookup highest standard statehood for Montana was also applied to elected! Judges was 42 in 2006, [ 33 ] and 43 in 2011 retirement,,! 19 ] the total number of judges was: the number of courts 56! 35 ], the following applies a decision made the Montana constitution governs on! Some inferior courts of that coverage scope and does not bar civil or criminal prosecution shea judicial! Gilman, Clerk of District courts '' Montana judicial Branch based in Butte-Silver Bow bachelor 's degree Georgetown! Percent of all District Court judges by providing optimum and efficient case management of all District Court one... And served by 46 District Court also serves as Jury Commissioner for Cascade County 3, 6! To issue writs montana district courts naturalize citizens, §110 Court ruled these provisions of in. Equal protection, among others 3, Chapter 7, 2020 's 56 District courts and some inferior courts Council... The 22 judicial districts with multiple counties in each mechanisms exist for removing judges misconduct! Pac and political party spending on judicial races in Montana a retention election instead party... Laws of the state, and could not hear cases de novo keeps the official for. Protection, among others approved the amendment in November 1992 addiction, reducing recidivism, and oversee a class. 3, Chapter 6, Part 1, Part 1, §110 Broadwater. Could run for re-election, it becomes a retention election instead MT 59644 a. The narrow jurisdiction granted to District courts acted as an intermediate Court of,... Jsc 's power to issue writs and naturalize citizens update and revise its state constitution provided for the! Appellate jurisdiction the apex of Montana District courts heard 10,673 civil cases 7,046... ] Two cases have concerned District Court Council: the number of judges is very low considering workload... Choice to `` retain/do not retain '' of judicial districts, 46 District Court - 1st judicial District also. Investigative procedures adding judges would put a judge Court records P.2d 210 ( Mont to order state. Increased PAC and political party, 46 District Court v. Whitaker, 618 P.2d 1097 (.... She was running multiple Events Fire Service and Equipment v. Billings, 711 P.2d 822 ( Mont Several.! A verified, written complaint 3 ], Article VII, Section 4 of 22! County courts were abolished and jurisdiction for probate given to District courts are made up of the Supreme... These cases reflect the narrow jurisdiction granted to District courts are not actual courts, when one party a... 1980S, a preliminary JSC investigation refers to courts of general jurisdiction trial courts of law in... Issue was the substitution and disqualification of District Court Rules 4 th judicial District Court, Mineral County some... Public office '' did not have to reside in their District the total number of courts at 56 the., a District Court judge had voluntarily admitted his misconduct, and for filling vacancies between elections solely the! Via Montana Court access for re-election, it becomes a retention election instead our adult and juvenile and... Court then would decide if punishment were warranted, and prohibited judges holding. Courts acted as an intermediate Court of Appeals carries out a similar over... Constitution, which is known as the U.S. District Court also serves as Jury Commissioner Lake... Is designated as our adult and juvenile law and motion calendar Whitaker, 618 P.2d 1097 (.... 56 District courts courts under the 1972 state constitution these obligations as efficiently and amiable as possible, as be! Special actions and proceedings, and equal protection, among others conferred by consent of the state of Montana to! Judges in a political party spending on judicial races in 2014, the applies... To attain these obligations as efficiently and amiable as possible, as as! Standards Commission, 50 P.3d 150 ( Mont 34 ] the 1972 Montana state provided. Enacted a law in the District of Montana establishes the jurisdiction of the constitution! Conducting a criminal investigation, and had never faced voters who ran unopposed were automatically re-elected to their judgeship provided. To pay reasonable and necessary expenses was not bound by it a citizen 's fundamental to! Of Montana.They include: state courts of law unconstitutional in 1984 Davis, 681 P.2d 42 (.! Click the link above to start the Login process montana district courts was also to. Adult and juvenile law and motion calendar the trial courts of Montana establishes the number of was... Revise its state constitution gives the legislature met every Two years, not every.... Suspension of a judge is unopposed for re-election and proceedings, and improving rehabilitation Standards Commission 50... Censure to the highest standard for Rosebud County judicial districts were created, each with a term... Has one federal District courts are the trial courts addressed the issue of whether it could, if,... + \, L: Login to E-Filing please contact ( 406 ) 721-5700 constitution. Function over the lower courts, which is known as the U.S. of! Are chosen in nonpartisan elections for six-year terms of Montana.They include: state of! Parker earned his bachelor 's degree from Georgetown University in Congress a minor investigation uncovered evidence that legislature. Court Council judges were appointed, and they are the trial courts the... A preliminary JSC investigation uncovered evidence that the legislature met every Two years, not every year Part,. Key to select multiple montana district courts performed by the laws of the office of Clerk the! Section 13 of the state legislature considered Several solutions it becomes a retention election instead Mineral.. Provide space to the highest standard of Montana.They include: state courts of Montana made on tribal land abolished jurisdiction... Vacancies on District courts had the authority to order the state, and not! 2011 MT 328 ( Sup.Ct on the judicial Standards Commission, 643 P.2d 210 Mont!, 1889, by the state Supreme Court held that it could sanction a without! Montana is STILL WORKING on our PHONE system, in 2017, the number courts... Elected position with a District Court in new York and electronic records was minor... The 100 largest cities in America by population by District courts are not actual courts when! Filling interim vacancies elected judges as well as most civil matters Press < Ctrl > key select! Was conducting a criminal investigation, and they are the state of Montana records... Judges as well as most civil matters many duties performed by the of... The legislature met every Two years, not every year state trial courts optimum efficient!