The Law Review is one of the most important resources of legal scholarship in the State of Montana, and is the most important scholarly journal chronicling and evaluating developments in Montana law.  Its focus, however, is by no means provincial as the Review publishes scholarly articles on timely topics of regional and national import. The purpose of the Montana Law Review is to inform and influence in order to improve the creation, administration, and practice of law in this state, region, and nationally.

Law Review membership is composed of second and third year students. The Editorial Board, made up of third year students who have served as Staff members during their second year, is primarily responsible for writing, editing, organizing, and publishing the law review.

Each Staff member is responsible for contributing a written submission to be considered for publication, editing submitted material (cite checking), assisting with publication, sales of Law Review clothing, and assisting with Law Review sponsored events.  The written submission may be a comment, survey, or case note.  Staff members receive a letter grade for one academic credit per semester based on the quality of cite checking and the written submission.  Editors receive a letter grade for two academic credits per semester based on the quality of work performed as an editor.

History

The students of the University of Montana School of Law established the Montana Law Review in 1940.  The founders of the Review were committed to the concept of a law journal which would chronicle and critique the development of Montana Law as well as advocate changes.  In addition, they intended the Law Review to disseminate scholarship of interest not only to Montana attorneys and judges but also to the nation’s legal community.

Since its establishment, the Montana Law Review has remained true to its founders’ vision.  The rationale and specific framework for many provisions in Montana’s code and the 1972 Constitution were initially set forth in Montana Law Review articles.  Montana judges have regularly cited the Law Review as a basis for their decisions; and scholars and judges nationwide have likewise relied on research published in the Law Review.