Amy Eddy

Amy Eddy earned a bachelor's degree from California Polytechnic State University in 1997 and a law from the University of Montana in 2001. Prior to joining the court, Eddy was the owner of The Law Offices of Amy Eddy, PLLC.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I grew up at a small family lodge alongside my parents and two younger sisters. We were snowed in during the winters. When I began kindergarten, I cross-country skied 2.5 miles down the road to catch the school bus into town. At that time, our town had a two-room K-8 school with just ten students. My mother would ski me out each morning in the dark, and my father would meet me at the bus in the afternoon to ski me home. My father, always patient, would encourage me with the words, “just glide, Amy, just glide.” That early lesson instilled in me the values of hard work and follow-through—lessons that have guided every stride of my personal and professional journey. That same work ethic propelled me through law school at the University of Montana, through a successful legal practice, and ultimately to the bench. Appointed in 2015, I have since been elected three times by voters of Flathead County. Over the past decade, I have presided over more than 10,000 cases as a District Court judge—ranging from Kalispell to Glendive, from family law and felony trials to complex constitutional issues. It is the honor of my life to serve the people of Montana in this role. These are the qualities I have brought to the bench throughout my career. They are the same principles I will carry with me to the Montana Supreme Court.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Keep politics out of the courtroom. The Supreme Court is not a legislature and not a campaign battleground; it is a court of law. It must remain a place where outcomes are determined by the facts and the law, and where every Montanan—regardless of background, income, or political belief—can expect to be treated fairly and equally. Stability in the law gives small businesses the confidence to plan and grow. It provides Montana’s farmers and ranchers with the certainty they need to make long-term decisions about land and operations. And it empowers personal freedoms.Protect our freedoms. A stable, predictable legal system is what allows people to plan their lives, grow their small businesses, and make long-term decisions about their land and livelihoods. People need to know that the rules will remain steady—that they can be counted on regardless of politics or power.Hold criminals accountable. As a District Court judge who has presided over more than 10,000 cases, I have seen firsthand how justice keeps communities safe. On the Supreme Court, I will insist that serious crimes face serious consequences, that victims are heard, and that every person receives a fair shake under the law.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I care deeply about access to justice and civic education. Over the past decade, I have taught hundreds of civics classes in schools across Montana because I believe every young person should understand how our government works, why the rule of law matters, and what it means to have an independent judiciary. When people understand their courts, they are better equipped to protect them. Across the country, we are seeing efforts to turn judicial elections into political battlegrounds. Judicial candidates are being asked to make ideological promises and seek partisan endorsements. That is not how justice works, and strong civic education is key to the trust that cases will be decided based on the facts and the law, not on politics.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity and independence are important for all elected officials, but specific to the judiciary, judges must be free from partisan or outside influence and committed to deciding cases based on the Montana Constitution and the rule of law rather than politics. Fairness, impartiality, and judicial temperament are also important, along with strong legal judgment, clear reasoning, and the ability to explain decisions in a way that reflects care and respect for all parties as court decisions affect everyday Montanans. A commitment to access to justice, transparency within ethical bounds, civility, and a service-oriented approach—rather than ideology or rhetoric—are also important qualities.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

On the Supreme Court, I will protect our freedoms, guard our Constitution, hold criminals accountable, and apply the law fairly. I believe deeply that we must keep politics out of the courtroom. A Montana Supreme Court justice is responsible for fairly and independently interpreting the Montana Constitution and state law, reviewing decisions from lower courts to ensure the law has been correctly applied, and resolving important legal questions that affect all Montanans. The Court sets binding precedent for the state, ensures consistency and stability in the law, and serves as a check within Montana’s system of government while judicial restraint respects the distinct roles of the legislative and executive branches. In doing so, a Justice must approach each case with care, impartiality, and respect for the real-world impact that Supreme Court decisions have on individuals, communities, and institutions across Montana.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986. I was 10 years old and was watching on TV when the Challenger exploded. There was a teacher, Christa McAuliffe, on board for the Teacher in Space Project, which I remember generated a lot of excitement in my school.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job, when I was about 12 years old, was working in the kitchen of a family restaurant with my Dad. I was responsible for making all the salads and the cold appetizers. I did that for 2-3 years, then moved up to waiting tables and working with the catering crew.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I read too much to have a favorite book, but I still love my favorite childhood book, The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses, by Paul Goble. It is a beautiful story with gorgeous illustrations and I spent many hours daydreaming about what a wonderful life that girl was living.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

In addition to reviewing the substantive decisions of lower courts, the Montana Supreme Court has constitutional authority to regulate lawyers and the practice of law, supervise Youth Court Services and juvenile probation officers, and oversees a number of commissions and committees.

How would you describe your legal philosophy?

My judicial philosophy is one of judicial restraint. Judicial restraint is the philosophy that statutes are presumed constitutional, and there is a high burden when challenging their constitutionality. It includes judges deciding cases narrowly, applying the law as written and respecting the roles of the legislative and executive branches of government. Under this approach, courts avoid substituting their personal views or policy preferences and intervene only when clearly required. Judicial restraint emphasizes fidelity to the Montana Constitution, respect for precedent, and humility about the limited role of the judiciary. Judicial restraint recognizes that in a democratic system, broad policy decisions are primarily the responsibility of the people and legislative and executive branches.

Do you believe that empathy is an important quality for a judge?

Yes.

What is your primary concern about today's legal system in your state?

I believe we need to keep politics out of the courtroom. Judges should be reviewing the Constitution and deciding cases based on the facts and the law - not what special interests want. Every Montana citizen deserves fair and impartial justice when they enter a courtroom.

How does your state’s supreme court serve as part of the state government’s checks and balances?

Judges play a critical role in the system of checks and balances by interpreting and applying the law and ensuring that the actions of the legislative and executive branches comply with the Montana Constitution. When laws are passed or actions are taken, courts review them in specific cases to determine whether they are lawful, protecting individual rights and maintaining constitutional limits on government power. At the same time, judges are restrained by precedent, judicial ethics, and the requirement that they decide only actual cases and controversies, which helps ensure that the judiciary checks other branches without overstepping its own constitutional role.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Former Republican Governor Marc Racicot

Former Democratic Governor Brian Schweitzer

Former Montana Governor (2013-2021) and Attorney General (2009-2013) Steve Bullock

Judge Mike Salvagni (Ret.)

Judge John Brown

Judge Holly Brown (Ret.)

Judge Kitty Curtis (Ret.)

Justice Mike Wheat (Ret.)

Judge Bart Erickson (Ret.)

Judge Ed McLean (Ret.)