John Mercer sworn in as district court judge
John served the people of the 20th Judicial District well when I appointed him to serve his community last year. I'm glad he was willing to do so once again.” - Montana Governor Greg Gianforte
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POLSON —Polson attorney John A. Mercer was sworn in as judge for department 2 of the 20th Judicial District Court of Montana last week. The swearing in ceremony was held in a packed courtroom on Feb. 26. Former District Court Judge Deborah Kim Christopher and current Judge Molly Owen welcomed Mercer back to the bench. Both described Mercer as a mentor with admirable character, intelligence and work ethic.
“I don’t think it can be overstated how lucky our community is to have you as judge,” Owen said.
“I’m happy John’s taking his rightful place,” Christopher said.
After being sworn in by Owen and robed by Christopher, Mercer said he felt divinely called to the job. “Thank you from the bottom of my hear to everyone for being here,” he said.
Per a press release from Governor Gianforte’s office, Mercer graduated from the University of Montana in 1979 and the Northwestern University School of Law in 1982. He’s served as an attorney for 42 years with the law office of Turnage Mercer & Wall in Polson, and previously as President of Heritage Management Co., also in Polson.
“John served the people of the 20th Judicial District well when I appointed him to serve his community last year, and I’m glad he was willing to do so once again,” Gov. Gianforte said. “With his extensive legal background and distinguished record, John will continue to serve as a great judge. I look forward to his service to the people of Lake and Sanders Counties on the Twentieth Judicial District Court.”
Mercer began work immediately the following day on Feb. 27. In an emailed notice, Mercer notes that law and motion for department 2 of the 20th Judicial District Court will be held every Thursday henceforth.
