Ballotpedia, Jerry O'Neil

Jerry is widowed, has 5 children, and lives outside Columbia Falls, Montana. Jerry attended Montana State University (MSU), the University of Montana, and Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC). 

Jerry has worked as a machinist, mechanic, toolmaker, woodworker, and manager at Retail Lumber Company. He is the owner of Mediator and Independent Paralegal.

Jerry O'Neil represented District 3 in the Montana House of Representatives from 2011 to 2015. 

The Other State Supreme Court Race

Has not attended law school or been admitted to the Montana Bar.

Has experience as a mediator, paralegal, and tribal attorney, having practiced law only before the Blackfeet Tribal Court.

- Has not attended law school or been admitted to the Montana Bar.
- Has experience as a mediator, paralegal, and tribal attorney, having practiced law only before the Blackfeet Tribal Court.

Legal Experience

Engaged in a lawsuit against the Montana Supreme Court and the bar association arguing that the Montana Constitution’s requirement that a judge be “admitted to the practice of law in Montana for at least five years” is unconstitutional.

- Engaged in a lawsuit against the Montana Supreme Court and the bar association arguing that the Montana Constitution’s requirement that a judge be “admitted to the practice of law in Montana for at least five years” is unconstitutional.

Ethics & Conduct

As of April 10, 2024, Jerry O'Neil’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Community Involvement

Facebook

Jerry O'Neil

Jerry is widowed and has 5 children and lives outside of Colombia Falls, Montana. Jerry attended MSU Montana State University at Bozeman, University of Montana at Missoula, and FVCC at Kalispell. He did not attend Law School. 

Jerry O'Niels professional experience includes working as a machinist, mechanic, toolmaker, woodworker, manager at Retail Lumber Company, a Mediator and Independent Paralegal. He has practiced law before the Blackfeet Tribal Court.

Jerry O'Niel represented District 3 in the Montana House of Representatives from 2011 to 2015. 

Practiced law before the Blackfeet Tribal Court.

- Practiced law before the Blackfeet Tribal Court.
- Has not attended law school or been admitted to the Montana Bar.

Presently engaged in a lawsuit against the state Supreme Court and the bar association arguing that the Montana Constitution’s requirement that a judge be “admitted to the practice of law in Montana for at least five years” is itself unconstitutional.

- Presently engaged in a lawsuit against the state Supreme Court and the bar association arguing that the Montana Constitution’s requirement that a judge be “admitted to the practice of law in Montana for at least five years” is itself unconstitutional.

Jerry O'neil

- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- The Justices work collaboratively, deciding cases as a group by majority vote and then issuing a written opinion to explain their decision. This collaborative process ensures a balanced and thoroughly considered judgment.
- Supreme Court Justices are elected to eight year terms. Elections are nonpartisan and statewide.