WTF does the Montana Supreme Court do? The Montana Supreme Court is made up of six Associate Justices and one Chief Justice. The Montana Supreme Court is responsible for interpreting and applying our state’s constitution. There are a lot of things that are broken AF about Montana politics, but our state constitution provides unique protections for things like a right to privacy and a clean and healthful environment. The Supreme Court provides vital checks and balances on the power of the legislative and executive branches of our state government.
Amy Eddy
Website: https://amyeddyforjustice.com/
Endorsements: Montana Conservation Voters, Montana AFL-CIO, Montana Sportsmen Alliance
Do you support the non-partisan nature of the Supreme Court?
- Yes
Should the current structure of Montana’s court system remain largely unchanged?
- Yes
Do judges have an obligation to improve public understanding of the courts? If so, how should they carry out that obligation?
- “Yes. In fact, the Code of Judicial Conduct expressly states, “A judge should initiate and participate in community outreach activities for the purpose of promoting public understanding of and confidence in the administration of justice.”
I have carried out this obligation for many years by teaching about the Montana Constitution in high school government classes and college clubs across Montana, speaking at local civic groups such as Rotary and Kiwanis, inviting students and Legislators into the courtroom to watch different types of cases, and participating as a judge in different civics competitions such as We the People and mock trials.”
With growing concern over special interest money and partisan influence in judicial elections, how do you plan to maintain non-partisan independence and safeguard public trust in the impartiality of the Montana Supreme Court?
- Nonpartisan judicial elections are a Montana tradition for a reason. For more than a decade as a District Court Judge I have conducted myself on a strictly nonpartisan basis and made every effort to avoid any conflict of interest or the appearance of impropriety. I am also running this campaign on a strictly nonpartisan basis. I have not attend any partisan political events, sought any partisan endorsements, nor accepted any political party money. Judges should not be held captive by political parties or expected to swear allegiance to political party platforms. In this way, judges can maintain the public’s confidence.
Dan Wilson did not respond to our questionnaire.
Website: wilsonforjustice.com
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