Rule 5.1. Constitutional Challenge to a Statute -- Notice and Intervention.
(a) Notice by a Party. A party that files a pleading, written motion, or other paper challenging the constitutionality of a state statute must promptly file a notice of constitutional question stating the question and identifying the paper that raises it, and serve the notice and paper on the state attorney general either by certified or registered mail or by sending it to an electronic address designated by the attorney general for this purpose.
(b) Intervention; Final Decision on the Merits. Unless the court sets a later time, the attorney general may intervene within 60 days after the notice is filed or after the court certifies the challenge, whichever is earlier. Before the time to intervene expires, the court may reject the constitutional challenge, but may not enter a final judgment holding the statute unconstitutional.
(c) No Forfeiture. A party's failure to file and serve the notice, or the court's failure to certify, does not forfeit a constitutional claim or defense that is otherwise timely asserted.
History: En. Sup. Ct. Ord. No. AF 07-0157, April 26, 2011, eff. Oct. 1, 2011.
Structure Montana Code Annotated
Chapter 20. Rules of Civil Procedure
Part II. Commencing an Action; Service of Process, Pleadings, Motions, and Orders
Rule 4. Persons Subject to Jurisdiction; Process; Service
Rule 4.1. Limited Representation Permitted -- Process
Rule 4.2. Notice of Limited Appearance and Withdrawal as Attorney
Rule 5. Serving and Filing Pleadings and other Papers
Rule 5.1. Constitutional Challenge to a Statute -- Notice and Intervention
Rule 5.2. Privacy Protection for Filings Made With the Court
Rule 6. Computing and Extending Time; Time for Motion Papers