I had to do a double take when I read an Associated Press story that reported, “Montana Supreme Court justices should not have to publicly disclose their personal financial interests or those of their families because the high court already follows a strict code to avoid potential conflicts, the chief justice [Mike McGrath] said.”
His plan? The AP reported, “It’s the judge’s responsibility to disqualify himself or herself from presiding over a case in which he or she has a financial stake, McGrath said.”
Why does McGrath think this? He said it’s because Montana’s high court justices follow a strictly enforced Code of Judicial Conduct.
Seriously?
We’re supposed to take his word for it. It kind of reminds me of Reagan’s nine words, “I’m from the government and I’m here to help.”
If Montanans actually believe every judge will be honest and forthright with their financial dealings, and “follow a strictly enforced Code of Judicial Conduct” then I have some ocean-front property to sell you near Geyser.
It was sunny and 85 degrees there last week, too.
The Western Word 