Montana Public Radio, Q&A: Jeremiah Lynch, Candidate for Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court

Ballotpedia, Jerry Lynch

As a federal magistrate judge for the Montana District, oversaw civil and criminal cases that involved disputes between residents of different states, questions of federal law, and federal crimes.

As a clerk for the Honorable Paul Hatfield, researched legal theories and precedents, drafted court memos and judicial opinions, and reviewed the findings and citations of the court’s opinions.

- As a federal magistrate judge for the Montana District, oversaw civil and criminal cases that involved disputes between residents of different states, questions of federal law, and federal crimes.
- As a clerk for the Honorable Paul Hatfield, researched legal theories and precedents, drafted court memos and judicial opinions, and reviewed the findings and citations of the court’s opinions.

Legal Experience

Candidate website

Believes in maintaining the independence of Montana’s Judicial Branch from political influence.

- Believes in maintaining the independence of Montana’s Judicial Branch from political influence.

Ethics & Conduct

Opposes political party designations for judicial candidates.

Said, "The Montana State Constitution protects everyone’s freedoms to privacy, individual dignity, a clean and healthful environment, our agricultural way of life, a no-cost public education..."

- Opposes political party designations for judicial candidates.
- Said, "The Montana State Constitution protects everyone’s freedoms to privacy, individual dignity, a clean and healthful environment, our agricultural way of life, a no-cost public education..."

Judicial Philosophy

Supports improving access to technology to improve the day-to-day performance of the Court.

- Supports improving access to technology to improve the day-to-day performance of the Court.

Judicial Administration

As of September 17, 2024, Jeremiah "Jerry" Lynch’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Community Involvement

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Jeremiah "Jerry" Lynch

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The candidate's website says, "In November 2014, Swanson was elected the Broadwater County Attorney. His office prosecutes approximately 50 felonies and 300 misdemeanors per year... He was re-elected without opposition in 2018 and 2022..."

As the Broadwater County Attorney, his office prosecutes approximately 50 felonies and 300 misdemeanors per year. He has served in this position for ten years. 

Worked as a deputy attorney general in the Montana Department of Justice for two years, focusing on civil litigation related to natural resources.

The candidate's website says, "After his first deployment, Swanson joined and then became partner in a law firm in Helena, Montana. His practice focused on government affairs, federal and state environmental litigation, election law, land use, water and administrative law..."

As a partner in a law firm, focused on government affairs, federal and state environmental litigation, election law, land use, water and administrative law.

Has a Doctor of Law from the University of Montana School of Law.

- As the Broadwater County Attorney, his office prosecutes approximately 50 felonies and 300 misdemeanors per year. He has served in this position for ten years. 
- Worked as a deputy attorney general in the Montana Department of Justice for two years, focusing on civil litigation related to natural resources.
- As a partner in a law firm, focused on government affairs, federal and state environmental litigation, election law, land use, water and administrative law.
- Has a Doctor of Law from the University of Montana School of Law.

As of September 17, 2024, Cory Swanson’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Broadwater County Attorney announces candidacy for Montana Supreme Court 

Says he is "tough on crime" and a "judicial conservative."

According to his website, "worked actively to oppose environmental closures to public lands and to protect private property rights."

Promises to "not legislate from the bench."

- Says he is "tough on crime" and a "judicial conservative."
- According to his website, "worked actively to oppose environmental closures to public lands and to protect private property rights."
- Promises to "not legislate from the bench."

Cory Swanson

- The Montana Supreme Court is very similar to the US Supreme Court. The Montana Supreme Court consists of seven judges and serves as the highest court in the state. This court is the final authority on interpreting the Montana Constitution.
- The Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court holds the highest judicial position in the state. As the presiding officer of the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice leads the court's deliberations and decisions on important legal matters.
- Supreme Court Justices handle appeals, which are reviews of lower court decisions that someone believes were incorrect or unfair. These cases can range from civil disputes to criminal convictions.
- Apart from overseeing the court's proceedings, the Chief Justice also represents the Montana judiciary in official functions and plays a significant role in the administration of the state's judicial system. This includes chairing meetings and coordinating with other branches of government.
- Unlike lower courts, the Montana Supreme Court does not conduct trials with witnesses and juries. Instead, they focus on legal arguments and the application of law based on written briefs, and sometimes through structured oral arguments if further discussion is needed.
- Supreme Court Justices are elected to eight year terms. Elections are nonpartisan and statewide.