Montana Attorney General Faces Misconduct Hearing Over Judicial Dispute

Austin Knudsen defends his actions amid allegations of undermining the state Supreme Court in a political clash.

Austin Knudsen, Montana's Attorney General, is under scrutiny for 41 counts of professional misconduct related to a judicial appointment law.
The controversy stems from Knudsen's defense of a law allowing the governor to appoint judges, part of a broader GOP effort for a conservative judiciary.
Knudsen's office is accused of defying state Supreme Court orders and using disrespectful language in legal communications.
The misconduct allegations highlight tensions between Montana's legislative and judicial branches over separation of powers.
Knudsen argues his actions were in zealous representation of the Legislature, while critics see it as a political attack on the judiciary.