Opinion
PR 07-0011
09-30-2022
IN THE MATTER OF CALLING A RETIRED DISTRICT JUDGE TO ACTIVE SERVICE
ORDER
The Honorable Matthew J. Cuffe, Judge of the District Court for the Nineteenth Judicial District of the State of Montana, has requested the assistance of retired District Judge Karen S. Townsend to assume jurisdiction of Cause Nos. DC-22-87, State v. Elizabeth Williams, and DC-22-83, State v. Kelly Fitzgerald.
Judge Townsend has retired under the provisions of the Montana Judges' Retirement System and, being subject to call for duty pursuant to § 19-5-103(a) and (b), MCA, has advised that she is agreeable to assisting the Nineteenth Judicial District Court with the above-listed matters.
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED:
1. The Honorable Karen S. Townsend, retired District Judge, is hereby called to active service in the District Court of the Nineteenth Judicial District of the State of Montana, to assume judicial authority of State v. Elizabeth Williams, and DC-22-83, State v. Kelly Fitzgerald, and is hereby authorized to proceed with any and all necessary hearings, opinions, and orders, including final resolution of said matters.
2. For all active service, Judge Townsend shall be paid the salary compensation to which he is entitled by § 19-5-103(2)(b), MCA, and actual expenses, if any, shall be reimbursed.
3. A copy of this Order shall be filed with the Clerk of Court of the Nineteenth Judicial District, with the request that this Order be sent to all counsel of record in the above-listed matters.
4. A copy of this Order shall also be furnished to the Honorable Matthew J. Cuffe, the Honorable Karen S. Townsend, and to Cathy Pennie, Office of the Supreme Court Administrator.
This Order is entered by the Chief Justice pursuant to Article Vil, Section 6(3) of the 1972 Montana Constitution, and statutes enacted in conformity therewith and in implementation thereof.