Author

James C. Nelson

James C. Nelson

James C. Nelson is a retired lawyer and former Montana Supreme Court Justice.

COMMENTARY
Maine's Gov. Janet Mills speaks at a press conference

Just another day in paradise

By: - October 31, 2023

Lewiston, Maine: Eighteen killed, 13 injured in a rampage by a guy with an assault rifle.  The shooter: A certified firearms instructor and a member of the U.S. Army Reserves.  The community locked down until he’s placed in custody. Press conferences; school classes cancelled; politicians falling all over each other with their thoughts and prayers […]

COMMENTARY

Retired state supreme court justice: Voting is (and should be treated as) protected speech

By: - March 9, 2022

When we think of freedom of speech, the spoken word is usually what comes to mind. But the First Amendment of the federal Constitution (and, hence, Article II, section 7 of Montana’s Constitution) also protect symbolic speech. [Editor’s note: North Carolina’s free speech clause can be found in Article I, Section 14 of its constitution.] […]