DAY ONE: MORE THAN 100 CANDIDATES FILE TO RUN FOR MONTANA OFFICE

As a prosecutor with the U.S. Attorney's office, she handled cases involving narcotics, firearms, money laundering, and violent crime.

Helped create the first Federal Drug Court in Montana, aiming to establish a court concentrating on rehabilitation and treatment, rather than incarceration.

Has experience before the Circuit Court of Appeals, handling complicated trials in Missoula, Butte, Great Falls, Helena, and Billings.

- As a prosecutor with the U.S. Attorney's office, she handled cases involving narcotics, firearms, money laundering, and violent crime.
- Helped create the first Federal Drug Court in Montana, aiming to establish a court concentrating on rehabilitation and treatment, rather than incarceration.
- Has experience before the Circuit Court of Appeals, handling complicated trials in Missoula, Butte, Great Falls, Helena, and Billings.

Legal Experience

As of May 10, 2025, Tara Elliott’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Judicial Administration

Said she believes " in a justice system that values fairness, integrity, and the rule of law." and promises to uphold such standards.

Said she is known for using a "balanced approach in deciding what cases to pursue, knowing incarceration isn’t always the solution."

- Said she believes " in a justice system that values fairness, integrity, and the rule of law." and promises to uphold such standards.
- Said she is known for using a "balanced approach in deciding what cases to pursue, knowing incarceration isn’t always the solution."

Judicial Philosophy

Current chairperson of the District of Montana’s Diversity Committee, and is on the State Board of Bar Examiners.

- Current chairperson of the District of Montana’s Diversity Committee, and is on the State Board of Bar Examiners.

Community Involvement

Tara Elliott

- Montana District Courts are central to the state’s judicial system, handling most major legal proceedings and providing a pathway for appeals from lower courts.
- Montana District Court Judges handle a wide variety of cases, including all serious criminal charges and smaller felonies. These courts also take on major civil disputes and state financial claims.
- In civil matters, these judges deal with wills and estates (probate), disputes over contracts and property ownership, and other non-criminal legal issues.
- These judges also have the authority to review decisions made by smaller local courts within their jurisdiction, as allowed by state law and the Constitution.
Judges in the District Courts are elected by the public in their districts, emphasizing the importance of community representation.