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January 8, 2026
Attorney General Austin Knudsen’s professional misconduct case ended on Dec. 31 with a Montana Supreme Court ruling. Accused of defying a court order and disparaging the justice system, the case stemmed from anonymous complaints. The 149-page order released on New Year’s Eve generated multiple statements from Republican officials and Knudsen himself.
A judicial panel dismissed the case but acknowledged some charges were justified, avoiding penalties beyond stern criticism. Knudsen and fellow Republicans viewed this as a validation, arguing he acted appropriately when defending the 2021 Legislature’s email seizure from the judicial branch.
Legislators uncovered that the judicial association conducted internal polling on court-related legislation. The Supreme Court ordered the return of emails, some of which included sensitive information about children involved in court cases. Knudsen initially resisted compliance and accused the court of bias, actions violating attorney conduct rules.
Montana’s legal community remains divided. Billings attorney Doug James argues the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision on Knudsen’s unethical misconduct impacts his reputation. James criticized Knudsen’s defense as dismissive of ethical responsibilities.
The Office of Disciplinary Conduct prosecuted the case in 2023. The Commission on Practice, during Knudsen’s reelection campaign, recommended a 90-day suspension, which raised questions about his eligibility to serve as Attorney General. However, the recommendation was ultimately disregarded.
Chief Justice Corey Swanson and Katherine Bidegaray, joined by substitute judges, reviewed the charges. The court dismissed the case over due process concerns but confirmed Knudsen ignored court orders. Bidegaray proposed a 30-day suspension, emphasizing that the case focused on law adherence, not politics.
—Tom Lutey
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