{"id":1794,"date":"2021-07-17T15:06:11","date_gmt":"2021-07-17T22:06:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/conservativenewsfrommontana.news\/?p=1794"},"modified":"2021-07-17T15:06:12","modified_gmt":"2021-07-17T22:06:12","slug":"quest-for-accountability-continues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/conservativenewsfrommontana.news\/index.php\/2021\/07\/17\/quest-for-accountability-continues\/","title":{"rendered":"Quest For Accountability Continues"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Photo compliments from Montana State Council On Judicial Accountability<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tyranny is defined as that which is legal for the government but illegal for the citizenry ~ Thomas Jefferson <\/h5>\n\n\n\n

By Tim Ravndal<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the late1990’s, Montana Multiple Use Association brought before the courts, a case protecting private property rights. In that case after a long 5 year battle, the people of Montana lost. Due to a lot of legal maneuvering, the courts ruled against private property owners rights because the local government changed the rules to maintain control over the case. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since that time, several attempts were made with the Montana Legislature to change some laws that would protect the rights of the people from administrative government overreach. The “Whistleblower”<\/em><\/strong> concept was introduced to protect those exposing corruption, but the power rested in the institution of judicial standards, effectively squashing those efforts, session after session. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many citizens across Montana are coming forward with less than admirable stories of judicial accountability. The President of Montana State Council On Judicial Accountability<\/a> ( MtSCOJA) Bart Crabtree, brings his continued call for help in the quest for judicial accountability here in Montana. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Crabtree was inspired to take a direct engagement in the quest for judicial accountability due to a case where he himself fell prey to a part of the judicial system that ignored the truth. In certain cases, there are times of desperation that the judicial system will manufacture a case or even change the rules to maintain control. As noted above with Montana Multiple Use Association, the rules were changed rendering the case moot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having been involved in the personal case against him, Mr. Crabtree brought together multiple citizens from across Montana in an effort to amplify the voice of the people. MtSCOJA reached out to elected officials in the 67th Legislature. Mr. Crabtree brought forward for consideration, legislation to amend existing law or to create a new law on behalf of the people. Mr. Crabtree quickly recognized the sound of doors slamming shut across Montana. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 67th Montana Legislature was feeling the pressure from the citizens across Montana. Legislators took the call for accountability to the next level where a request was made to overhaul the Montana judicial process. The challenge to the standard process in place was founded in SB140<\/a>. This legislation was signed into law, providing for the Governor of Montana to directly appoint judges. This legislation took away the unilateral power of the judicial branch to appoint its own. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Transparency Is known As The Disinfectant Of Tyranny” <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Montana Legislature recognized a call from the people and brought forward several more bills to address problems in accountability. HB685<\/a> carried by Representative Brad Tschida<\/a> looked specifically at transparency and accountability within the judicial branch of Montana. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Article VII Section 11<\/a> of the Constitution of Montana deals directly with the removal and discipline of judges for violations of the judicial standards. HB685 would have opened up this section of the Constitution to amend the makeup of what is known as the “Judicial Standards Commission.” The change was to be brought before the people of Montana for a vote, but the legislative powers killed the bill. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a backup, HB380<\/a> carried by Representative Kerri Seekins-Crowe<\/a>, also revises the process of judicial nominations to the judicial standards commission. This effort was signed into law by Governor Greg Gianforte. HB380 requires that all judges that are appointed by the Montana Supreme Court are required to be confirmed by the Montana Senate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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