Rules for Courts of Limited Jurisdiction Training and Certification of Judges – 2026
Montana does not require a justice of the peace or city judge to be a lawyer, so it requires certification instead. These rules set the training a new judge must complete, the temporary certificate that covers the interval, and the continuing judicial education needed to stay certified.
Browse all 7 rules of the 2026 edition below. Each rule includes the full text, a plain-English summary, committee notes, amendment history, and cross-references to related rules. Use the search box to find rules by keyword or number.
Rule 1
Scope of rules. A. DEFINITIONS. As used in these rules, the following definitions apply:
Rule 2
Certification of new judges. A. DUTIES OF COURT ADMINISTRATOR. Under the
Rule 3
Temporary certificate. A. APPLICATION
Rule 4
Education and training — judicial education policy — certificate of completion
Rule 5
Waiver
Rule 6
Certification test
Rule 7
Failure to obtain certification — notice. (1) Upon failure of a judge to obtain a certificate