Court Opinion

ID: 9885734
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-10-06 13:12:56.668132+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:48:56.512266
License: Public Domain

JUSTICE WEBER
specially concurs as follows:
I concur with and join in the Opinion and Order of the majority with the exception of Part IV — Separation of Powers and Abuse of Discretion.
I agree that because the Tilton evidence could not be used, and because there was insufficient other untainted evidence on which to continue prosecutions, the County Attorney’s motions met the good cause and furtherance of justice requirements of § 46-13-401(1), MCA. I also agree with the conclusion that the denial of that motion by the District Court constituted an abuse of discretion. I do not agree with the separation of powers discussion and holding which follows.
In substance the majority concludes that the District Court may not interfere in the prosecutorial functions of the Attorney General and the County Attorney without violating the separation of powers embodied in Article III, Section 1 of the Montana Constitution. That constitutional issue was not raised and a decision upon that issue is not required by this opinion.
*420As pointed out in the majority opinion, under § 46-13-401(1), MCA, the District Court is granted authority to dismiss a criminal complaint or information when such dismissal is in furtherance of justice and good cause for dismissal is demonstrated. Clearly that section requires an exercise of discretion by the District Court. Here this Court has agreed that denial of the motion was an abuse of discretion. I am unable to see how such an abuse of discretion under authority specifically given to the District Court somehow becomes interference in the prosecutorial functions and a violation of the separation of powers embodied in Article III, Section 1. If it was a constitutional breach to have denied the motion, then it would appear that if the court on its own motion makes an order of dismissal as provided in the statute, then it could be charged with violating the separation of powers doctrine. I would not so hold.
I would exclude any reference to the separation of powers doctrine in the majority opinion. With that exception, I join in the Opinion and Order.