It’s the 12 Days of Ballotpedia! Your gift powers the trusted, unbiased information voters need heading into 2026. Donate now!
Judge Harkin retires from Missoula court after 30 years
December 15, 2010
Missoula, Montana: Judge Douglas G. Harkin, who has served on the 4th District Court in Missoula, Montana for 30 years, will retire on December 31, 2010. Prior to becoming a judge, Harkin served as a U.S. Marine and prosecutor for the Missoula County Attorney's Office. At the time of his judicial election in 1980, he was the youngest person to ever judge in Montana. He now holds the record for longest serving District Court judge in the state. Looking back, he said, "What I have enjoyed the most is the opportunity to make positive changes in people's life." Karen S. Townsend was recently elected to replace him.[1]
Footnotes
Federal courts:
Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals • U.S. District Court: District of Montana • U.S. Bankruptcy Court: District of Montana
State courts:
Montana Supreme Court • Montana District Courts • Montana Courts of Limited Jurisdiction • Montana Water Court • Montana Workers' Compensation Court
State resources:
Courts in Montana • Montana judicial elections • Judicial selection in Montana
