In brief
The Montana Supreme Court has dismissed a misconduct case against Attorney General Austin Knudsen, who previously defied court orders regarding a law that enhanced the governor's judicial powers. Although the court found Knudsen violated professional conduct rules, they ruled that the disciplinary panel breached his due process rights. Knudsen claimed the complaint was politically motivated, while Chief Justice Swanson warned all attorneys in the state to comply with court orders.
BILLINGS, Mont. — Montana’s Supreme Court dismissed a misconduct case against Attorney General Austin Knudsen after he was found to have violated court orders. The case centered on a law that allowed the governor to appoint judges directly, which Knudsen defended while attacking the integrity of the justices involved. Despite recommendations for a 90-day suspension from practice, the court ruled that Knudsen's due process rights were violated when crucial expert testimony was excluded from the disciplinary proceedings. Chief Justice Cory Swanson noted that the ruling serves as a public admonition for all attorneys in the state. Knudsen characterized the original complaint as a political distraction and denounced it as a frivolous stunt.
