Did you know that Montana is one of only 2 states that have never had a woman appointed as an Article III federal judge? It’s true. If only there were something we could DO about our state’s good old-fashioned judicial gender inequality . . .
Oh, wait! It just so happens, we currently have TWO pending vacancies to fill, and Sen. Max Baucus has appointed a committee to recommend candidates. I know at least one well-qualified woman, Elizabeth Best, has thrown her hat in the ring. You can read about her qualifications here, from her recent run for the Montana Supreme Court.
Why does it matter? According to a recent article by the National Women’s Law Center:
“When women are fairly represented on our federal courts, those courts are more reflective of the diverse population of this nation. When women are fairly represented on the federal bench, women, and men, may have more confidence that the court understands the real-world implications of its rulings. For both, the increased presence of women on the bench improves the quality of justice: women judges can bring an understanding of the impact of the law on the lives of women and girls to the bench, and enrich courts’ understanding of how best to realize the intended purpose and effect of the law that the courts are charged with applying.”
Women are affected by courts’ decisions. Therefore, women should be making those decisions. Can we all agree on this basic concept? However, philosophical and logical arguments aside, women’s involvement in the judiciary has very real, concrete effects on everyday litigants:
“For example, one recent study demonstrated that male federal appellate court judges are less likely to rule against plaintiffs bringing claims of sex discrimination, if a female judge is on the panel.”
Want to encourage Senator Baucus to appoint a woman to one or both of Montana’s Article III vacancies? Write him a letter at: United States Senator Max Baucus, 30 W. 14th St., Suite 206, Helena, MT 59601.
Or you can email his office here. Either way, now’s the time to express your opinion, and spread the word.
__________________________________________
Jessie Lundberg is a consumer law attorney in Missoula, Montana, specializing in consumer protection litigation, tenant rights, and bankruptcy. Read her full bio here. Learn more about your consumer rights and Jessie’s services at www.montanaconsumerlawyer.com.
This post does not constitute legal advice. It provides general information only. There is no guarantee that this information applies to your specific situation. If you need help protecting your financial legal rights, you should seek legal advice from an attorney about your specific situation. You can contact Lundberg Law Office PLLC for a free consultation by calling (406) 478-5297, or emailing us at LLO@lundberglawyer.com. If you have low income, you may qualify for legal help through Montana Legal Services Association. You can find out how to apply here.
