Independent, unbiased, neutral, impartial and fair were the buzzwords during a recent forum for the nonpartisan candidates running for two open spots on the Montana Supreme Court, all of whom promised to keep personal opinions and politics out of the courtroom.
The forum, hosted by the Yellowstone County Farm Bureau, was attended by sitting state district court judges Katherine Bidegaray of Richland County and Dan Wilson of Flathead County, who are running for the associate justice position, and Broadwater County Attorney Cory Swanson, who is running for chief justice. Swanson’s opponent, former federal magistrate Jeremiah Lynch, was not able to attend.
In the judicial system, being “political” is a breach of ethics — and what Republican lawmakers have accused the court of being when rulings have overturned GOP-backed legislation, such as laws restricting abortion. The Montana Senate Republican leadership formed a committee in April to address “judicial overreach.” Candidates alluded to the turmoil in Helena in explaining the importance of judicial impartiality.“>
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