Alexander Blewett III School of Law in Montana Law Schools
Alexander Blewett III School of Law – Montana Law Schools: Overview and Significance
1. General Profile
Established: The law school was originally established in 1911 as part of the University of Montana.
Location: Missoula, Montana.
Naming: Renamed in 2015 as the Alexander Blewett III School of Law after a generous donation by Alexander Blewett III.
Programs: Offers Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM) focusing on Native American law, and a dual JD/MPA degree.
Accreditation: Fully accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).
Reputation: Known for its focus on public service, environmental law, and especially Native American law, reflecting Montana’s large tribal population and unique legal issues.
2. Role and Importance
The Alexander Blewett III School of Law is the only law school in Montana, making it a crucial institution for legal education and professional training in the state.
It emphasizes practical training, ethics, and public service, producing lawyers well-versed in the legal challenges unique to Montana and the Western United States.
The school is nationally recognized for its Native American Law Program, one of the top programs in the country.
Graduates often go on to serve as judges, tribal attorneys, and public defenders within Montana and neighboring states.
3. Montana Law School Context
As Montana’s sole law school, it serves a diverse student body and addresses specific regional legal issues such as natural resources, water rights, tribal sovereignty, and environmental protection.
It collaborates closely with state courts, government agencies, and tribal governments.
4. Notable Case Law and Contributions
The school itself is not usually a litigant, but its faculty, alumni, and programs have had considerable influence on Montana jurisprudence and tribal law.
Significant Case Law Influenced by the School’s Faculty or Alumni:
Montana v. United States (1981):
A landmark Supreme Court case on tribal sovereignty and jurisdiction over non-members on tribal lands.
Faculty experts from the school’s Native American law program have extensively analyzed and taught this case, which is foundational in understanding tribal jurisdiction in Montana and beyond.
Crow Tribe v. State of Montana (1994):
This case dealt with tribal authority over hunting and fishing rights.
Alumni and faculty have been actively involved in advising tribal governments and litigating such cases, emphasizing the school’s role in shaping tribal law.
United States v. Big Horn County Electric Cooperative (2002):
A case involving environmental and federal jurisdictional issues.
The law school’s environmental law faculty provided scholarly input influencing policy and legal interpretations in Montana.
5. Academic Contributions and Legal Scholarship
The Alexander Blewett III School of Law publishes the Montana Law Review, which addresses issues pertinent to state and tribal law, environmental regulation, and public policy.
Faculty members are recognized nationally for expertise in Indian law, natural resources law, and environmental law.
The school fosters research on tribal governance, water rights, and federal Indian law that shapes policy and legal practice in Montana.
6. Clinical and Practical Training
The school offers several clinical programs including:
Native American Law Clinic: Provides students with hands-on experience working on tribal legal issues.
Environmental Law Clinic: Engages in cases related to conservation and environmental protection.
Appellate Clinic: Offers training in appellate advocacy, often involving state and federal courts.
These clinics provide critical practical experience and often serve underserved communities, including tribal nations.
Summary:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Institution | Alexander Blewett III School of Law |
| Location | Missoula, Montana |
| Programs | JD, LLM (Native American law), Dual degrees |
| Specializations | Native American Law, Environmental Law, Public Service |
| Role | Only law school in Montana; key in educating lawyers for state and tribal legal systems |
| Contribution to Case Law | Influential in tribal sovereignty and environmental law cases like Montana v. United States, Crow Tribe v. Montana |
| Legal Scholarship | Publishes Montana Law Review; faculty renowned in Indian law and environmental law |
| Practical Training | Native American Law Clinic, Environmental Law Clinic, Appellate Clinic |
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