By Lillian Poulsen, Digital Organizer
The Montana Supreme Court is the highest court in the state. It has appellate jurisdiction and supervisory control over all other courts. This court decides questions of state law that affect state policy and individual rights.
The Montana Supreme Court primarily reviews cases from lower courts—including district, worker’s compensation, and water courts—when parties appeal rulings they deem unjust or unconstitutional. Beyond this appellate role, the court can also hear original proceedings, particularly in cases involving emergencies or questions of statewide constitutional significance.
The justices of the Montana Supreme Court review cases based upon interpretation of the Montana Constitution, US Constitution, and Montana state law.
The Montana Supreme Court is the final stop on the legal journey, making it imperative that we pay attention to who gets elected.
Justice selection
One of the most compelling aspects of Montana’s judicial system is how its justices are selected: by the voters. Through non-partisan elections, Montanans have the power to elect seven justices to eight-year terms, the longest of any elected official in the state.
This democratic process ensures accountability and allows citizens to directly influence the composition of their highest court. Even unopposed justices face retention elections, where voters decide whether they continue to serve—a crucial mechanism to maintain judicial integrity and diversity of perspectives.
In November, Montanans will elect Amy Eddy or Dan Wilson as the newest Supreme Court Justice. In the primary, Eddy received 51% of votes and Wilson 49%. It’s up to us to decide who will serve as the next justice.
Legal protections
Cases before the Montana Supreme Court highlight its pivotal role in addressing contemporary challenges, protecting our rights and freedoms as Montanans.
In Kalarchik v. State of Montana, the Supreme Court upheld a District Court order that temporarily prevented the State of Montana from enforcing policies that bar transgender people from obtaining accurate sex designations on their birth certificates and driver’s licenses. Because of this ruling, transgender Montanans continue to have access to accurate and usable identity documents.
In April, the Montana Supreme Court dismissed a constitutional challenge to I-194, an initiative that will appear on the ballot in November, which prohibits corporations from spending money on political candidates or ballot issues. The unanimous decision by the court supported Montanans rights to go through the initiative process.
The Montana Supreme Court also upholds constitutional protections, including the right to abortion and the right to a clean and healthful environment. Montanans codified protections to abortion rights into the Montana Constitution during the November 2024 election. In Held v. State of Montana, the court affirmed the plaintiffs who argued that the state can’t prohibit people from analyzing greenhouse gas emissions because it would violate their inalienable right to a clean and healthful environment.
Why should I care?
The Montana Supreme Court isn’t just another judicial body—it’s the final stop of justice in the state, making decisions that profoundly impact Montana’s future. From protecting individual liberties to shaping statewide policies, its rulings set precedents that shape our collective future.
If you care about voting rights, access to abortion, climate change, privacy rights, access to healthcare, and a number of other issues, then you should be paying attention to the Montana Supreme Court. Judicial elections are significant in safeguarding these fundamental rights.
As Montanans, voting and engaging in elections ensures that our highest court reflects our values and defends our rights. By understanding the role of the Montana Supreme Court and the impact of its decisions, we uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and democratic accountability that define our state.
Make sure to vote in November to determine the next Montana Supreme Court justice. Tell your friends about it, and remind them that it’s important to give a shit about Montana’s politics and legal landscape.
Your vote and your voice are crucial in shaping Montana’s future.