Helena Independent Record Article on Medical Marijuana Patients and Republican Senators that Argue for Repeal or Amending MT's Medical Marijuana Law

The Helena Independent Record published an article today that interviewed medical marijuana patients that have quit dangerous prescription painkillers and switched to medical marijuana. Republican state senator Jim Shockley opines that he wants to pass legislation that will repeal Montana's medical marijuana law that was overwhelmingly passed via the initiative process by Montana voters. The medical marijuana law was approved by 62% of voters in 2004. The article summarizes Shockley's position:

Shockley said he believes marijuana has medical benefits and should remain legal, although in a much more controlled way.

The newspaper interviewed Republican state senator Dave Lewis:

Two weeks ago, Lewis announced a plan to license a single statewide marijuana grower and dispense the drug through licensed pharmacies. The result would create a system not unlike Montana’s liquor distribution laws, Lewis said, with the state controlling the supply.

Read the article here.

Article on Montana Supreme Court candidates Judge Nels Swandal and Beth Baker Campaign Contributions

Judge Nels Swandal raised $45,500 and Beth Baker raised $53,000 so far in their bids for the Montana Supreme Court. You can read the Helena Independent Record article here.

Should Judges and Justices in Montana be Elected?

Retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor argues in a New York Times opinion published today that state judges should not be elected. She argues against lifetime appointments and election of judges:

But judges with a lifetime appointment are not accountable to voters. And elected judges are susceptible to influence by political or ideological constituencies.

This is an election year and, in Montana, judges and justices are elected in nonpartisan elections. Should Montana judges be elected? Should they be subject to political scrutiny based on the difficult and often times controversial decisions they make? Should decisions that enforce individual rights yet penalize the police subject judges to the passions and prejudices of the electorate? Should an unpopular but legally correct decision cost a judge his or her seat? The answer, of course, is no. Here's the method Justice O'Connor suggests:

A better system is one that strikes a balance between lifetime appointment and partisan election by providing for the open, public nomination and appointment of judges, followed in due course by a standardized judicial performance evaluation and, finally, a yes/no vote in which citizens either approve the judge or vote him out. This kind of merit selection system — now used in some form in two-thirds of states — protects the impartiality of the judiciary without sacrificing accountability.

Just food your thought as we Montanans cast our ballots this year. You can read Justice O'Connor's opinion here.

Billings Gazette interviews Judge Sidney Thomas after Obama chooses Kagan

The Billings Gazette interviewed Judge Sidney Thomas this morning regarding his consideration by President Obama for the U.S. Supreme Court:

"It was an honor to be considered," said the 56-year-old University of Montana Law School alum. "Elena Kagan is an excellent candidate with superb credentials."

You can read the article here.

Obama to nominate Elena Kagan for the U.S. Supreme Court

The NY Times reports that Obama will nominate Solicitor General Elena Kagan to be the next U.S. Supreme Court justice. Read it here.

CNN discusses the pros and cons of Obama's top four choices for SCOTUS

CNN wrote an article summarizing the pros and cons of the top four contenders, Elena Kagan, Judge Diane Wood, Judge Merrick Garland, and Judge Sidney Thomas, for the U.S. Supreme Court. Read it here.

U.S. District Court Judge Richard Cebull was interviewed by KULR8 about Judge Sidney Thomas

U.S. District Court Judge Cebull was interviewed today by local news station KULR8. You can read the article and watch the interview here. Judge Cebull discusses how Judge Thomas would bring a western perspective to the U.S. Supreme Court.

U.S. Supreme Court Nominee Update

The Washington Post speculates that Obama is likely to announce his nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court early next week. Read the article here.

NPR interviews Obama's senior adviser David Axelrod who suggests that Obama is looking for someone who will fill Justice Steven's leadership role over the liberal wing of the Supreme Court. Read the article here.

The NY Times published an article today about Judge Sidney Thomas entitled "Long Shot for High Court Has Reputation for Compassion and Persuasion." Like previous articles from the AP and Montana news sources, the piece discusses Judge Thomas' lengthy legal practice, sound judgment, non-Ivy League background and leadership qualities. The piece includes interviews with attorneys and law clerks as well as Judge Richard Cebull, chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana, and Judge Alex Kozinski, chief judge of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The story also interviewed several conservatives who intend to oppose Judge Thomas (or anyone else for that matter) if nominated. You can read the article here.

Law.com posted an article with the title "Potential High Court Nominee Thomas Would Fit Obama Narrative." The name says it all. You can read the article here.

Bozeman Daily Chronicle interviews people who shed light on Judge Sidney Thomas' early years prior to becoming a judge

The Bozeman Daily Chronicle wrote an article in todays edition discussing Judge Sidney Thomas' time at Bozeman High School, on the university board of reagents, at Montana State University, and at The University of Montana School of Law. The article includes interviews with people who knew Judge Thomas during his early years prior to becoming a judge on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. You can read the article here.

Yellowstone County District Court Judge discusses Judge Sidney Thomas for SCOTUS

Yellowstone County District Court Judge Todd Baugh was interviewed about Judge Sidney Thomas by KULR-TV in Billings. Judge Baugh stated "he's got the proper legal experience, he's certainly qualified, he's a good man, well respected." He described Judge Thomas "as somewhat moderate" and believes he would be confirmed by the U.S. Senate "without a big fight." You can read the article here.