Montana District Court Judge, District 20
Judges that handle most felony and civil cases in the state
Full office description
- Montana District Courts are central to the state’s judicial system, handling most major legal proceedings and providing a pathway for appeals from lower courts.
- Montana District Court Judges handle a wide variety of cases, including all serious criminal charges and smaller felonies. These courts also take on major civil disputes and state financial claims.
- In civil matters, these judges deal with wills and estates (probate), disputes over contracts and property ownership, and other non-criminal legal issues.
- These judges also have the authority to review decisions made by smaller local courts within their jurisdiction, as allowed by state law and the Constitution. Judges in the District Courts are elected by the public in their districts, emphasizing the importance of community representation.
How this impacts you
Public Safety — District Court Judges make decisions on bail for individuals formally accused of a crime by a Prosecutor. This means a District Court Judge could allow a dangerous person back on the streets before they are convicted of a crime.
Property Rights — Superior Court Judges can decide how to distribute a person’s property in a divorce, contract, or land dispute.
Election results
WINNER
Britt Cotter
58.6%
6,492 votes
Deborah "Kim" Christopher
41.4%
4,589 votes