vote no on Nov. 4 Bozeman Water Adequacy Ballot Initiative vote no on Nov. 4 Bozeman Water Adequacy Ballot Initiative vote no on Nov. 4 Bozeman Water Adequacy Ballot Initiative
Subscribe
  • News
    • Wildfire News
    • Local
    • Bozeman
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Real Estate
    • Outlaw Partners News
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Yellowstone
  • Events
Menu
  • News
    • Wildfire News
    • Local
    • Bozeman
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Real Estate
    • Outlaw Partners News
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Yellowstone
  • Events

Op-ed: Montana ABOTA defends Sandefur against attacks by dark money group

in Opinion
Outlaw Partnersby Outlaw Partners
November 3, 2016

The American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) is an organization dedicated to the preservation of a fair and impartial judiciary and the right to trial by jury. Recently, we have seen attacks upon Montana District Judge Dirk Sandefur, who is currently seeking election to a seat on the Supreme Court of Montana.

These attacks attempt to create the impression that Judge Sandefur has given lenient sentences. The fact is, the sentences handed down by Judge Sandefur in each instance were consistent with the recommendations of the prosecuting attorneys.

ABOTA is an invitation only organization dedicated to defending the American civil justice system and elevating the standards of integrity, honor and courtesy in the legal profession. The organization’s members are represented equally between both plaintiff and defense lawyers and includes state and federal judges. ABOTA has a long history of responding to unfair attacks on judges who cannot respond for themselves and believes that political and special interest interference in the judicial system is contrary to the American concept of justice.

How do you want your public dollars invested? Get involved in the FY26 Grant Cycle by clicking the image. How do you want your public dollars invested? Get involved in the FY26 Grant Cycle by clicking the image. How do you want your public dollars invested? Get involved in the FY26 Grant Cycle by clicking the image.
ADVERTISEMENT

The Montana Chapter of ABOTA considers this attack on a district judge to be misleading, unwarranted and unfair. As such, it is a threat to the independence of the judiciary and to the rule of law. An independent, fair and impartial judiciary is the bulwark against the whims, wishes and demands of the government and other special interests.

The Montana Chapter of ABOTA stands for respect of our judicial system and the right of trial by jury, as we believe such principles are fundamental to preserving our democracy. Our judicial system cannot function without the lawyers, the litigants and the courts treating each other with civility. It is a system upon which the public can have confidence in and accept the outcome of each case.

This should not be considered an endorsement of either candidate seeking election to the Montana Supreme Court. Montana ABOTA does not endorse political candidates, nor does it become involved in political races.

On behalf of Montana ABOTA:

Clifford Edwards, Billings
Alexander Blewett, III, Great Falls
Carey E. Matovich, Billings
Dennis P. Conner, Great Falls
Donald L. Harris, Billings
Douglas J. Wold, Polson
James H. Goetz, Bozeman
John E. Bohyer, Missoula
Jon M. Moyers, Billings
L. Randall Bishop, Billings
Kurt M. Jackson, Great Falls
Leonard H. Smith, Billings
Lon J. Dale, Missoula
Maxon R. Davis, Great Falls
Michael D. Cok, Bozeman
Monte D. Beck, Bozeman
Paul R. Haffeman, Great Falls
Randy J. Cox, Missoula
Thomas J. Beers, Missoula
William Rossbach, Missoula

Yellowstone National Park Lodge Yellowstone National Park Lodge
ADVERTISEMENT

Listen

Outlaw Beat Podcast

Joe Borden & Michele Veale Borden

Lastest Episode
See More Episodes
outlaw realty montana outlaw realty montana
ADVERTISEMENT
Outlaw Realty Big Sky Bozeman
ADVERTISEMENT

Upcoming Events

Oct 17
11:00 am - 5:00 pm Event Series

“FALL COLORS” Big Sky Artists’ Collective

Oct 17
7:00 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Trivia at the Waypoint

Oct 18
11:00 am - 5:00 pm Event Series

“FALL COLORS” Big Sky Artists’ Collective

Oct 19
11:00 am - 5:00 pm Event Series

“FALL COLORS” Big Sky Artists’ Collective

Oct 20
9:00 am - 12:00 pm Event Series

Community Hike Big Sky

View Calendar
Event Calendar

Related Posts

Every Drop Counts: Restoring the fabric of the Gallatin River, one thread at a time
Environment

Every Drop Counts: Restoring the fabric of the Gallatin River, one thread at a time

October 16, 2025
Live Better: How to fix a painful thumb
Health

Live Better: How to fix a painful thumb

October 16, 2025
Wildfire Wire: Myths and misconceptions about wildfire 
Environment

Wildfire Wire: Myths and misconceptions about wildfire 

October 16, 2025
A new ballot initiative promises to solve both water and housing in Bozeman. Would it?
Opinion

Letter to the Editor: A fourth generation Bozemanite’s case against the WARD Initiative

October 15, 2025

An Outlaw Partners Publication

Facebook-f Instagram X-twitter Youtube

Explore Big Sky

  • About/Contact
  • Advertise
  • Publications
  • Subscriptions
  • Podcast
  • Submissions

Outlaw Brands

  • Mountain Outlaw
  • Plan Yellowstone
  • Big Sky PBR
  • Wildlands Music
  • Outlaw Partners
  • Outlaw Realty
  • Hey Bear

Copyright © 2025 Explore Big Sky | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Your Privacy Choices

No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • Bozeman News
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Outlaw Partners News
  • Yellowstone
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Real Estate
  • Events

©2024 Outlaw Partners, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Explore Big Sky Logo
  • News
    • Wildfire News
    • Local
    • Bozeman
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Real Estate
    • Outlaw Partners News
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Yellowstone
  • Events
Subscribe
Facebook X-twitter Instagram Youtube