---
title: What is the Court's Relationship to the Legislative and Executive Branches?
description: "\"Learn how Montana municipal court judges are appointed, trained, and protected from executive or legislative interference during their four-year term.\""
---

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January 21, 2026

# What is the Court's Relationship to the Legislative and Executive Branches?

## "Judicial Independence and Appointment Rules for Municipal Court Judges in Montana"

Judges and court staff are part of a separate branch of government. Neither the Executive Branch nor the Legislative Branch may interfere in the daily workings of the Judicial Branch. Neither the council nor the mayor has authority to supervise, discipline or remove a judge during the judge’s four-year term of office. The council appoints the judge for a four-year term. If a vacancy occurs during the judge’s term of office, the council must appoint a new judge to serve out the remainder of the term. The new judge cannot perform any judicial acts until the Montana Supreme Court Administrator’s Office has been notified of the appointment and the newly appointed judge has received a waiver of training. All limited jurisdiction judges are required to attend twice yearly trainings and to pass a certification test upon appointment or election and every four years thereafter. The local government is responsible for paying the registration and travel expenses associated with these mandatory trainings.

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Resources prepared by the MSU Extension Local Government Center are intended for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. For interpretation or application of the law, please consult qualified legal counsel. The Montana State University Extension Service is an ADA/EO/AA/Veteran’s Preference Employer and Provider of Educational Outreach.

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