Montana State Supreme Court Chief Justice
The chief judge in the highest court in the State
Full office description
- The Montana Supreme Court is very similar to the US Supreme Court. The Montana Supreme Court consists of seven judges and serves as the highest court in the state. This court is the final authority on interpreting the Montana Constitution.
- The Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court holds the highest judicial position in the state. As the presiding officer of the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice leads the court's deliberations and decisions on important legal matters.
- Supreme Court Justices handle appeals, which are reviews of lower court decisions that someone believes were incorrect or unfair. These cases can range from civil disputes to criminal convictions.
- Apart from overseeing the court's proceedings, the Chief Justice also represents the Montana judiciary in official functions and plays a significant role in the administration of the state's judicial system. This includes chairing meetings and coordinating with other branches of government.
- Unlike lower courts, the Montana Supreme Court does not conduct trials with witnesses and juries. Instead, they focus on legal arguments and the application of law based on written briefs, and sometimes through structured oral arguments if further discussion is needed.
- Supreme Court Justices are elected to eight year terms. Elections are nonpartisan and statewide.
How this impacts you
Criminal Justice — The Chief Justice plays a key role in informing judicial policy, often guiding discussions and decisions that affect the entire state's legal landscape, from procedural changes to broader judicial reforms.
Election results
WINNER
Cory Swanson
46.2%
120,041 votes
Jeremiah Lynch
37.6%
97,732 votes
Doug Marshall
16.2%
42,021 votes