# M. R. Civ. P. 5.1: Rule 5.1. Constitutional Challenge to a Statute -- Notice and Intervention

> Montana · Court rules · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MT_MRCIVP_R5_1

## Section

- **Citation:** M. R. Civ. P. 5.1
- **Heading:** Rule 5.1. Constitutional Challenge to a Statute -- Notice and Intervention
- **Jurisdiction:** Montana
- **Kind:** Court rules
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Montana Court Rules / Montana Rules of Civil Procedure / M. R. Civ. P. 5.1

## Text

Constitutional Challenge to a Statute -- Notice and Intervention.
(a) Notice by a Party. A party that files a pleading, written motion, or other paper challenging the constitutionality of a state statute must promptly file a notice of constitutional question stating the question and identifying the paper that raises it, and serve the notice and paper on the state attorney general either by certified or registered mail or by sending it to an electronic address designated by the attorney general for this purpose.
(b) Intervention; Final Decision on the Merits. Unless the court sets a later time, the attorney general may intervene within 60 days after the notice is filed or after the court certifies the challenge, whichever is earlier. Before the time to intervene expires, the court may reject the constitutional challenge, but may not enter a final judgment holding the statute unconstitutional.
(c) No Forfeiture. A party's failure to file and serve the notice, or the court's failure to certify, does not forfeit a constitutional claim or defense that is otherwise timely asserted.

## Nearby sections

- [M. R. Civ. P. 1 Rule 1. Scope of Rules](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MT_MRCIVP_R1.md)
- [M. R. Civ. P. 2 Rule 2. One form of Action](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MT_MRCIVP_R2.md)
- [M. R. Civ. P. 3 Rule 3. Commencing an Action](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MT_MRCIVP_R3.md)
- [M. R. Civ. P. 4 Rule 4. Persons Subject to Jurisdiction; Process; Service](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MT_MRCIVP_R4.md)
- [M. R. Civ. P. 4.1 Rule 4.1. Limited Representation Permitted -- Process](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MT_MRCIVP_R4_1.md)
- [M. R. Civ. P. 4.2 Rule 4.2. Notice of Limited Appearance and Withdrawal as Attorney](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MT_MRCIVP_R4_2.md)
- [M. R. Civ. P. 5 Rule 5. Serving and Filing Pleadings and other Papers](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MT_MRCIVP_R5.md)
- [M. R. Civ. P. 5.1 Rule 5.1. Constitutional Challenge to a Statute -- Notice and Intervention](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MT_MRCIVP_R5_1.md)
- [M. R. Civ. P. 5.2 Rule 5.2. Privacy Protection for Filings Made With the Court](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MT_MRCIVP_R5_2.md)
- [M. R. Civ. P. 6 Rule 6. Computing and Extending Time; Time for Motion Papers](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MT_MRCIVP_R6.md)
- [M. R. Civ. P. 7 Rule 7. Pleadings Allowed; Form of Motions and Other Papers](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MT_MRCIVP_R7.md)
- [M. R. Civ. P. 7.1 Rule 7.1. Disclosure Statement](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MT_MRCIVP_R7_1.md)
- [M. R. Civ. P. 8 Rule 8. General Rules of Pleading](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MT_MRCIVP_R8.md)
- [M. R. Civ. P. 9 Rule 9. Pleading Special Matters](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MT_MRCIVP_R9.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MT_MRCIVP_R5_1. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.