HISTORY

Friends of the Third Branch (Friends) was formed in 2023 by four retired Montana lawyers who observed numerous legislative bills proposing constitutional amendments that could significantly alter the operations of Montana’s courts and judicial processes. These four lawyers started providing their peers with accurate information about attacks on the court system and Montana’s Constitution during the legislative session. 

The effort snowballed and volunteers began communicating with stakeholders about bills, committee hearings, and legislative floor debates related to the third branch. These efforts provided the public with the information they needed to engage in meaningful discussion about harmful bills and proposed constitutional amendments.

Today, the Friend’s work focuses on educating lawyers and the public about legislative activity that affects Montana’s courts, judges, and constitution.

Problem

Many may not understand the political processes that produced the 1972 Constitution. Montana’s constitution provides numerous checks and balances to ensure freedoms Montanans enjoy. Sharing information about important issues has increasingly become more difficult as people, organizations, and media has grown divided. 

Fewer traditional news outlets are following the Montana Legislature, Montana’s  Courts and endeavoring to help the public stay informed. Thankfully, newer forms of journalism have stepped in to fill this gap, but many Montanans still don’t know these trustworthy sources exist. Additionally, it is often unclear which issues will get reported on and ultimately covered.

It’s harder and harder to find reliable information. Misinformation and lack of attention to important issues challenge thoughtful and meaningful discussions.

However, we know that resources are available and accurate information can be created and shared in ways that help Montanans participate in discussions and decision-making that matter to them. The Friends experienced rich dialogue when implementing educational and informational efforts in 2023 and 2024. We also experienced people engaging with systems of government because they became educated and informed. 

The challenge to this type of engagement, however,  is ensuring enough support to provide up-to-date information to those who need it. Challenges to the fairness and impartiality of Montana’s courts are ongoing. And the Montana Constitution as we know it is at the center of several legislative attacks. 

While none of the proposed constitutional amendments during the 2023 legislature ultimately, they are slotted to hear 27 bills formulated by the Montana Senate’s Select Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform during the 2025 session.

Solution

The Friends have retained talented and experienced individuals to augment their work to inform Montanans about these threats. The Friends have kept keenly aware of the interim work of the Montana Legislature and have been sending educational content and informational alerts during the 2024 interim session. Leading up to the 2025 legislative session, the Friends are seeking resources to provide up-to-date educational alerts and relevant information to Montanans who desire to have meaningful discussion about harmful bills and proposed constitutional amendments.

For the 2025 session, the Friends will track election reporting and legislators’ rhetoric, share news and sophisticated opinions with those who are followers through email, website updates, and social media.

This is what solutions look like.

The Friends of the Third Branch is committed to building meaningful collaborations and coalitions to help uphold the constitution of Montana and maintain the respect due to the courts of justice and judicial officers.

PARTNERS

National Resources

LEADERSHIP