Ballotpedia

Katherine earned bachelor's degrees in political science and philosophy and a law degree from the University of Montana. She lives in Sidney with her 5 children.

Katherine previously worked in private practice and as a hearing examiner for the Montana Office of Public Instruction. She also previously worked as the deputy securities commissioner and as an insurance staff attorney for the Montana State Auditor’s Office.

Katherine Bidegaray is a district court judge for the 7th Judicial District. She was elected in 2002 and is serving her 4th term.

Candidate website

As a private practice attorney, worked on cases involving estate planning, probate, real estate transactions, agricultural law, oil and gas, family law, and criminal law.

As a state prosecutor, coordinated the prosecution of Securities Act of Montana violations with agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission, Federal Bureau of Investigation, US Attorney, and several Montana County Attorneys.

As a district court judge, exercises jurisdiction over criminal felonies, civil matters of unlimited amounts, family law, abuse and neglect, probates, youth court and involuntary mental commitments and manages appeals from courts of limited jurisdiction.

As an insurance staff attorney, represented the Montana Insurance Department in administrative actions involving alleged licensing violations and unfair trade practices by insurance agents and insurers.

- As a private practice attorney, worked on cases involving estate planning, probate, real estate transactions, agricultural law, oil and gas, family law, and criminal law.
- As a state prosecutor, coordinated the prosecution of Securities Act of Montana violations with agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission, Federal Bureau of Investigation, US Attorney, and several Montana County Attorneys.
- As a district court judge, exercises jurisdiction over criminal felonies, civil matters of unlimited amounts, family law, abuse and neglect, probates, youth court and involuntary mental commitments and manages appeals from courts of limited jurisdiction.
- As an insurance staff attorney, represented the Montana Insurance Department in administrative actions involving alleged licensing violations and unfair trade practices by insurance agents and insurers.

Legal Experience

As of September 17, 2024, Katherine Bidegaray’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Judicial Administration

Flathead Beacon: Supreme Court Candidate Bidegaray Vows to Protect Constitutional Rights at Flathead Campaign Events

Believes in maintaining "a truly impartial and independent judiciary," especially for the Montana Supreme Court.

Wants "a truly impartial and independent judiciary."

Says the "essence of independence is deeply ingrained" in her.

Believes that the legal system and constitutional rights, including privacy, education, and environmental protection, are currently under threat.

Said she "will not succumb to political pressures or special interests" and will be guided by "the steadfast principles of [the state] constitution."

Opposes a partisan judiciary, saying it would end the separation of powers.

- Wants "a truly impartial and independent judiciary."
- Says the "essence of independence is deeply ingrained" in her.
- Believes that the legal system and constitutional rights, including privacy, education, and environmental protection, are currently under threat.
- Said she "will not succumb to political pressures or special interests" and will be guided by "the steadfast principles of [the state] constitution."
- Opposes a partisan judiciary, saying it would end the separation of powers.

Judicial Philosophy

Community Involvement

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

Katherine Bidegaray

Katherine holds bachelor's degrees in political science and philosophy and a law degree from the University of Montana. She lives in Sidney with her 5 children.

Katherine Bidegaray currently serves as a district court judge for the 7th Judicial District. She was elected in 2002 and is serving her 4th term.

Worked as a teaching assistant for the Montana Defender Project at the University of Montana.

As a state auditor, drafted legislation and represented the Montana State Auditor’s Office during two legislative sessions of the Montana State Legislature.

Volunteered as a law student for the University of Montana Law School Defender Project, which provides legal defense to individuals who cannot afford an attorney.

Member of the Montana Bar Association since 1985.

Received a Juris Doctorate from the University of Montana School of Law.

Believes in funding DUI (driving under the influence) Treatment Courts to address alcohol-related offenses.

As a board member of the Montana Board of Crime Control, helped establish Youth Treatment Court for the Montana Seventh Judicial District in 2006.

As a state representative, supported the establishment of Adult Treatment Court for the Montana Seventh Judicial District, demonstrating a commitment to addressing substance abuse and criminal behavior through specialized treatment programs.

As a District Court Judge, adjudicated hundreds of cases, gaining insights into the law's influence on Montanans' lives.

Believes in the importance of judicial experience for effective court administration.

As an attorney, represented prisoners at the Montana State Prison, Women's Correctional Facility, and Swan River Youth Camp in sentence review hearings and post-conviction matters.

As a law clerk, assisted with compiling a brief bank and statewide sentencing statistics.

Believes in the importance of judicial experience for effective judicial administration.

As a general jurisdiction trial judge, oversees felony criminal cases, civil lawsuits, and family law cases, and exercises the authority to grant divorces, annulments, legal separations, and spousal support.

Believes the judiciary plays a crucial role in maintaining justice and the rule of law.

Believes in being "fair, impartial, and independent" as a judge.

Said, "We need a Justice that will keep politics out of our court rooms. That’s exactly what I’ve done for Montana."

Believes in upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice is served fairly and impartially.

Believes in maintaining neutrality in courtrooms.

Promises to be a leader who stands resilient against challenges.

Said, "I will not succumb to political pressures or special interests; my guidance will always be the steadfast principles of our constitution."

Katherine is from Sidney, Montana. She earned dual bachelor's degrees in political science and philosophy from the University of Montana. She raises five children on her family farm/ranch in northeastern Montana.

Katherine Bidegaray is currently a District Court Judge for the State of Montana, Seventh Judicial District, a position she has held since 2003. She previously worked as an attorney in Sidney, Montana, from 1989 to 2003, and served as Deputy Securities Commissioner at the Montana State Auditor’s Office from 1987 to 1989. She also worked as an Insurance Staff Attorney at the Montana State Auditor’s Office from 1985 to 1987.

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

- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- The Justices work collaboratively, deciding cases as a group by majority vote and then issuing a written opinion to explain their decision. This collaborative process ensures a balanced and thoroughly considered judgment.
- Supreme Court Justices are elected to eight year terms. Elections are nonpartisan and statewide.