Montana’s Supreme Court has decisively addressed a misconduct case involving Attorney General Austin Knudsen. On Wednesday, the court dismissed the allegations against him, which stemmed from his actions related to a law that increased gubernatorial power over the judiciary.
Background of the Case
The dispute originated from a controversial law passed in 2021. This legislation allowed Montana’s Republican governor to directly appoint judges to fill vacancies. Critics claimed it undermined judicial independence.
Findings of the Court-Appointed Panel
A court-appointed panel conducted an investigation into Knudsen’s behavior. The panel concluded that he had persistently questioned the integrity of the justices involved while defending the law. They recommended a 90-day suspension of his law license, citing breaches of conduct.
Supreme Court Ruling
On Wednesday, the Montana Supreme Court confirmed that Knudsen had violated attorney conduct rules. However, they also noted a significant procedural issue: the panel had excluded Knudsen’s expert witness from its proceedings. This exclusion influenced the court’s decision.
Knudsen’s Response
In a statement following the ruling, Knudsen expressed relief at the court’s decision, describing the misconduct complaint as a distraction during his tenure. He labeled the allegations a political maneuver aimed at undermining his office.
Key Quotes
- “I appreciate the Supreme Court bringing this frivolous complaint to a long-overdue conclusion,” said Knudsen.
- Chief Justice Cory Swanson referred to the ruling as a “public admonition” of Knudsen’s actions.
Conclusion
While the Supreme Court did not impose severe penalties, the ruling underscored the serious nature of Knudsen’s misconduct. This case serves as a reminder of the tensions between judicial independence and executive authority in Montana.
