Disqualification of D.C. Judges

01/27/2023
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF MONTANA
Case Number: PR 23-0001
PR 23-0001
_________________
KARLI R. ROADARMEL,
Petitioner,
v. ORDER
JOHN M. ROADARMEL,
Respondent.
_________________
Defendant John M. Roadarmel, via counsel, has filed an affidavit in support of his
request to disqualify Standing Master Magdalena C. Bowen from acting as standing master
in Cause No. DR-19-332A in the Eighteenth Judicial District Court, Gallatin County,
pursuant to § 3-1-805, MCA.
Section 3-1-805, MCA, governs disqualifications for cause. It provides, in relevant
part, “This section is limited in its application to judges presiding in district courts, justice
of the peace courts, municipal courts, small claims courts, and city courts.” Since Bowen
is a standing master and not a judge presiding in one of the enumerated courts, § 3-1-805,
MCA, is inapplicable.
IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that the motion to disqualify Standing Master
Magdalena C. Bowen from Gallatin County Cause No. DR-19-332A is DENIED.
The Clerk is directed to provide copies of this Order to the Clerk of the District
Court of Gallatin County for notification to all counsel of record in Cause No.
DR-19-332A, to Standing Master Magdalena C. Bowen, and to the Honorable Peter B.
Ohman, presiding District Court Judge.
Electronically signed by:
Mike McGrath
Chief Justice, Montana Supreme Court
January 27 2023