Judge Hayworth On The Ballot For Retention Election

A Guest Editorial, submitted by District Court Judge Michael Hayworth

Since 2013, Michael Hayworth has served as one of two District Court judges for the Sixteenth Judicial District Court serving Custer, Rosebud, Treasure, Garfield, Powder River, Fallon and Carter counties. Judge Hayworth seeks voter retention to continue to serve as your District Court judge.

Montana's court system consists of three levels. Each city and each county has a city court and a justice court. These "courts of limited jurisdiction" adjudicate matters including misdemeanor crimes and small claims civil disputes.

The second level of Montana's court system are the District Courts. The District Courts are the trial courts for all matters beyond the authority of the "courts of limited jurisdiction." District Courts adjudicate felony criminal offenses, civil proceedings, dissolution of marriage, parenting arrangements for minor children, adoption, probate, child abuse inquiry, and allegations of serious juvenile delinquency. Montana has 51 district court judges across the state including Judge Hayworth.

The third level of the state court system is the Montana Supreme Court that hears appeals of District Court decisions. The federal court system is separate from the state court system.

The Sixteenth Judicial District is served by two District Court judges. Michael Hayworth has served as the district's Department 1 judge since 2013. Nickolas Murnion has served as the Department 2 judge since 2016, however, Judge Murnion will retire at the end of 2024. Attorney Rennie Wittman is seeking to fill the vacancy as the district's Department 2 judge.

Michael Hayworth is on the ballot to be retained as your District Court judge for the Sixteenth Judicial District, Department 1, because he comes to every case well informed of the applicable law, the briefing, and the facts at issue. Judge Hayworth is careful to consider everyone's perspective but be persuaded only by the considerations the law directs govern his decision-making.

Michael Hayworth is regularly invited to speak to community groups and enjoys hosting school classes. Although the rules governing judicial ethics do not allow discussion of specific cases, Judge Hayworth provides an informative overview of the role of a sitting District Court judge.

During his professional career, Michael has lived in Helena, Colstrip, Forsyth, and Miles City. Michael is married to Jo Ellen. The couple has an adult son, Daniel.

Michael Hayworth appreciates your vote for retention to serve as your District Court judge.