Montana Public Radio, Q&A: Jeremiah Lynch, Candidate for Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court

Jerry is from Butte. He earned his bachelor's degree in biology from Carroll College, a law degree from the University of Montana Law School, and a master's degree in zoology and genetics from Montana State University. He now lives in Missoula with his wife, Teri. He served on the Montana Board of Public Education and Montana Board of Environmental Review. 

Jerry was previously a lawyer in private practice and worked as a law clerk for the Honorable Paul Hatfield in the District of Montana. 

Jeremiah "Jerry" Lynch served as a federal magistrate judge in the Montana District for the U.S. District Court from 2006-2019.

Ballotpedia, Jerry Lynch

As a federal magistrate judge for the Montana District, oversaw civil and criminal cases that involved disputes between residents of different states, questions of federal law, and federal crimes.

As a clerk for the Honorable Paul Hatfield, researched legal theories and precedents, drafted court memos and judicial opinions, and reviewed the findings and citations of the court’s opinions.

- As a federal magistrate judge for the Montana District, oversaw civil and criminal cases that involved disputes between residents of different states, questions of federal law, and federal crimes.
- As a clerk for the Honorable Paul Hatfield, researched legal theories and precedents, drafted court memos and judicial opinions, and reviewed the findings and citations of the court’s opinions.

Legal Experience

Candidate website

Believes in maintaining the independence of Montana’s Judicial Branch from political influence.

- Believes in maintaining the independence of Montana’s Judicial Branch from political influence.

Ethics & Conduct

Opposes political party designations for judicial candidates.

Said, "The Montana State Constitution protects everyone’s freedoms to privacy, individual dignity, a clean and healthful environment, our agricultural way of life, a no-cost public education..."

- Opposes political party designations for judicial candidates.
- Said, "The Montana State Constitution protects everyone’s freedoms to privacy, individual dignity, a clean and healthful environment, our agricultural way of life, a no-cost public education..."

Judicial Philosophy

Supports improving access to technology to improve the day-to-day performance of the Court.

- Supports improving access to technology to improve the day-to-day performance of the Court.

Judicial Administration

As of September 17, 2024, Jeremiah "Jerry" Lynch’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Community Involvement

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Jeremiah "Jerry" Lynch

Jerry is from Butte. He earned his bachelor's degree in biology from Carroll College, a law degree from The University of Montana Law School, and a master's degree in zoology and genetics from Montana State University. He now lives in Missoula with his wife, Teri. He served on the Montana Board of Public Education and Monata Board of Environmental Review. 

Jerry served as a Federal Magistrate Judge in the Montana District of the U.S. District Court. He was previously a lawyer in private practice and worked as a law clerk for the Honorable Paul Hatfield in the District of Montana. 

Jeremiah "Jerry" Lynch served as the Federal Magistrate Judge in the Montana District for the US District Court from 2006-2019.

Believes in ensuring justice through skilled legal interpretation and application.

Believes some candidates are influenced by "dark money lobbyists and corporations."

Believes in safeguarding constitutional principles.

Believes in keeping politics and politicians out of Montana’s judicial branch.

Said, "I have the experience, independence, demeanor and dedication to protect all the people of Montana and our Constitution."

Said, "I have only one purpose: to protect the 1972 Montana State Constitution. It has withstood the test of time, having been written in a truly non-partisan manner and approved overwhelmingly by Montana voters."

Believes in upholding the law while protecting the rights of all individuals.

Believes in upholding the law while protecting individual rights, demonstrating integrity, honesty, and respect for fairness and impartiality.

Believes in being a "compassionate and fair-minded individual" as a judge.

Said "The Montana State Constitution protects everyone’s freedoms to privacy, individual dignity, a clean and healthful environment, our agricultural way of life, a no-cost public education..."

- Opposes political party designations for judicial candidates.
- Said "The Montana State Constitution protects everyone’s freedoms to privacy, individual dignity, a clean and healthful environment, our agricultural way of life, a no-cost public education..."

Believes in promoting "integrity, fairness, and dedication to upholding the law" and supports an independent and impartial judiciary.

Supports Montana State Law's contribution limits of $790 per individual for both primary and general elections, with no corporate or business checks allowed.

Supports the election of Judge Jerry Lynch for Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court in 2024.

Supports engaging with voters, community leaders, and Tribal Nations during his campaign for Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court.

Believes in allowing Montana voters to elect a new Chief Justice, ensuring accountability and transparency in the judicial system.

Believes he would bring "a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to the bench" as a judge.

Believes Montana voters will face "negative advertising in support of extreme politicians or lobbyist candidates on the left and right."

Supports community involvement through volunteering to promote justice and equality.

As of September 23, 2024, Jeremiah Lynch’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Jeremiah Lynch served as a Federal Magistrate Judge in the Montana District of the U.S. District Court from 2006 to 2019 and worked as a law clerk for the Honorable Paul Hatfield. He also practiced as a private attorney in Great Falls, Montana, and served on the Montana Board of Public Education and the Montana Board of Environmental Review.

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Jeremiah Lynch

- The Montana Supreme Court is very similar to the US Supreme Court. The Montana Supreme Court consists of seven judges and serves as the highest court in the state. This court is the final authority on interpreting the Montana Constitution.
- The Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court holds the highest judicial position in the state. As the presiding officer of the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice leads the court's deliberations and decisions on important legal matters.
- Supreme Court Justices handle appeals, which are reviews of lower court decisions that someone believes were incorrect or unfair. These cases can range from civil disputes to criminal convictions.
- Apart from overseeing the court's proceedings, the Chief Justice also represents the Montana judiciary in official functions and plays a significant role in the administration of the state's judicial system. This includes chairing meetings and coordinating with other branches of government.
- Unlike lower courts, the Montana Supreme Court does not conduct trials with witnesses and juries. Instead, they focus on legal arguments and the application of law based on written briefs, and sometimes through structured oral arguments if further discussion is needed.
- Supreme Court Justices are elected to eight year terms. Elections are nonpartisan and statewide.

The chief judge in the highest court in the State