Flathead Beacon, Supreme Court Candidate Bidegaray Vows to Protect Constitutional Rights at Flathead Campaign Events

Ballotpedia, Katherine M. Bidegaray

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Katherine is a lifelong Montanan. She received her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Montana.

Katherine has served as a judge in Montana since 2003. Previously, she worked for the Montana State Auditor's Office as a staff attorney and a deputy securities commissioner and practiced privately for 12 years. 

Katherine Bidegaray is a judge for Montana's seventh judicial district, serving her fourth term. She was first elected in 2002 and took office in 2003. She was retained by voters in 2008 and 2014. 

Has over 20 years of experience as a judge, including as a district court judge, where she oversaw hundreds of cases.

As a practicing lawyer, handled estate planning, agriculture, and family law.

Represented the Montana Insurance Department in administrative actions involving alleged licensing violations and unfair trade practices by insurance agents and companies and coordinated prosecution of violations of the Securities Act of Montana as a staff attorney at the Montana State Auditor's Office for three years.

Has a law degree from the University of Montana.

- Has over 20 years of experience as a judge, including as a district court judge, where she oversaw hundreds of cases.
- As a practicing lawyer, handled estate planning, agriculture, and family law.
- Represented the Montana Insurance Department in administrative actions involving alleged licensing violations and unfair trade practices by insurance agents and companies and coordinated prosecution of violations of the Securities Act of Montana as a staff attorney at the Montana State Auditor's Office for three years.
- Has a law degree from the University of Montana.

Legal Experience

As of April 10, 2024, Katherine Bidegaray’s website did not contain information on this issue.

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Katherine Bidegaray

- 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.