Disciplinary proceedings against Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen are nearing a conclusion, as judges are now selected to rule on the matter. The Montana Supreme Court has appointed five district court judges to decide the disciplinary actions for Knudsen, who faces allegations of 41 professional conduct violations. These charges stem from 2021, when Knudsen publicly criticized justices and ignored a Supreme Court order.
The Commission on Practice previously recommended a 90-day suspension from practicing law for Knudsen’s actions and those of his staff. During this period, Knudsen represented the Republican legislative majority in a dispute over subpoena powers with the judiciary. The commission found that Knudsen’s actions damaged public confidence in the legal system.
However, the final decision rests with the Supreme Court, not the commission. The process experienced delays to allow Knudsen time to address the commission’s suggestions. A further extension was necessary when the entire 2024 state Supreme Court recused themselves from the case.
Two recently appointed justices, Chief Justice Cory Swanson and Katherine Bidegaray, will preside over the case. They will be joined by five substitute district court justices: Jessica T. Fehr and Rod Souza from Yellowstone County, Luke Berger from Madison County, Gregory Bonilla from Glacier County, and Paul Sullivan from Flathead County. Bonilla received his appointment to the Ninth Judicial District from Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte in 2023, and the appointment was later confirmed by the state Senate.
For further details on the disciplinary actions against Attorney General Austin Knudsen, visit the Montana Free Press.
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