Montana Supreme Court Dismisses Misconduct Case Against Attorney General Austin Knudsen

BILLINGS, Mont. — The Montana Supreme Court has dismissed a misconduct case against Attorney General Austin Knudsen after he defied court orders regarding a law aimed at providing the governor with increased judicial power.

Last year, a court-appointed panel found that Knudsen had undermined the integrity of the justices while defending a 2021 law that allowed the state’s Republican governor to fill judicial vacancies directly. Subsequently, the panel recommended a 90-day suspension of Knudsen's license to practice law.

In its ruling, the justices agreed that although Knudsen breached professional conduct rules, the proceedings against him violated his due process rights by not permitting his expert witness to testify and failing to clearly outline their decision. Chief Justice Cory Swanson stated in the ruling that it serves as a 'public admonition' over Knudsen’s conduct.

Knudsen expressed relief at the court’s decision, describing the complaint against him as a distraction and a political maneuver. 'We’ve said it from the very beginning, this was nothing more than a political stunt,' he stated.

While all but two of the court's justices recused themselves from the decision due to their involvement in previous disputes with Knudsen’s office, the ruling still indicated a clear expectation for all Montana attorneys to comply with court orders.
Cory Swanson emphasized the importance of this compliance in maintaining the integrity and order of legal proceedings.

This dispute stems from a larger agenda aimed at strengthening conservative influence within the judiciary, which was supported by the Montana Supreme Court's earlier rulings on the legislation in question.

In court documents, Knudsen's office made serious allegations of misconduct against the Supreme Court justices, prompting the panel’s investigation that ultimately led to the current case.

Despite the significant implications of these events, the court has decided to move on from the misconduct allegations, signaling a noteworthy moment in Montana's judicial landscape.