Montana AG Faces 90-Day Law Suspension for Defying Court Orders

In October 2024, a judicial panel in Montana moved to recommend a suspension for the state's attorney general, Austin Knudsen, for a period of 90 days. This recommendation arose from numerous instances where Knudsen allegedly defied court orders and publicly criticized the integrity of the judiciary. The panel's investigation highlighted violations of professional conduct rules that have raised concerns regarding the attorney general's approach to legal governance and judicial relations. The recommended suspension stems from Knudsen's refusal to acknowledge the authority of court orders, specifically in a case involving the Legislative subpoena of a court administrator's emails. His disregard for a Supreme Court ruling, which mandated the return of these emails, reflects a troubling pattern of behavior. The panel emphasized that such defiance not only undermines the court's authority but also sets a precarious precedent for executive-judicial relations. During the investigation, Knudsen admitted that he could have handled aspects of his office's representation regarding subpoena powers more judiciously but remained adamant that his actions did not violate conduct rules. This refusal to fully accept accountability following his high-profile actions has contributed to significant controversy surrounding his tenure. The implications of this suspension recommendation could be far-reaching, particularly impacting Knudsen's capacity to perform his role effectively and influencing his re-election bid, amid calls for accountability within Montana's Judicial system.