Category: Montana News
-
Republican lawmakers release their proposed changes to the judiciary
A special committee of lawmakers that’s looked into the judicial branch over the last two years has concluded its work. They’re advancing 27 proposals to the state Legislature for consideration. Republicans on the committee say the goal of the bills is to curb what they call judicial overreach. Democrats have refused to participate in the committee, calling…
-
Montana GOP lawmakers propose 27 bills for judicial branch reform
After months of hearings, Republicans on a state legislative committee have come out with their final list of proposed bills, intended as a response to conflicts over the proper role of the judicial branch. The Senate Select Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform wrapped up its work on Wednesday, advancing 27 bill drafts that together would make…
-
Republicans’ judicial oversight committee to subpoena witnesses, require oaths
Committee also outlines long list of bills it hopes to move in 2025 Senate Republicans on the Select Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform voted Tuesday to require witnesses to testify under the threat of perjury and to subpoena any elected officials and their subordinates they wish to call, saying they want to ensure testimony is factual…
-
Republicans’ judicial oversight committee to send justices letter on appointing judges
Letter says signatories have concerns certain judges could be picked without oversight The Republican-led Senate Select Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform voted Monday to send a letter to Montana’s Supreme Court justices, a district court judge and several other court employees asking about how the chief justice decides to appoint retired judges. Most of the committee’s meetings so…
-
Judges on Trial
State Senate Republicans empaneled to “rein in” the courts got their first chance to question a district judge on Monday. It did not go smoothly. Judge Mike Menahan of the First Judicial District in Helena was asked to swear an oath to testify truthfully, something rarely done outside of court proceedings or notorizations. The judge declined, explaining that…
-
Legislature v. judiciary
Senate Select Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform takes a lesson in the separation of powers. This story is excerpted from Capitolized, a weekly newsletter featuring expert reporting, analysis and insight from the reporters and editors of Montana Free Press. Want to see Capitolized in your inbox every Thursday? Sign up here. Lawmakers on the newly formed Senate…