Campaign 2012

Butte City Judge tells why he is running for another term

Posted: Oct 29, 2012 4:15 PM by Katy Harris KXLF News
Updated: Oct 29, 2012 4:31 PM

BUTTE - Butte City Judge Daniel Sweeney is no stranger to legal operations.

"I believe that my background has given me the opportunity to assist the people of this community, to make sure that this court runs efficiently and properly and we're doing that and we're going to continue to do that I hope," he says.

He grew up in the Mining City and after graduating law school began practicing in Butte.

Since 1976 Sweeney has practiced law in state and federal courts. He has represented plaintiffs and defendants and worked criminal and civil cases. Sweeney also served the remainder of Judge Russell's term when he died in office.

He was sworn in as the interim city judge in January when the previous judge resigned over allegations of bribery. Sweeney says now he's trying to restore that sense of honor in the local legal system.

"I'm using my experience hopefully to make this court a better place, a more efficient place and one that follows the law," adds Sweeney.

He believes in an open door policy, where no conversations are held behind closed doors.
He says he maintains a court that does not favor certain people.

"I think those are measures that have helped to instill the confidence of this court again."

Sweeney is pushing for final pre-trial conference hearings. Those will confirm scheduling or cancellation of jury trials. That way citizens won't show up for a canceled jury trial.

During his time as Butte city court judge, he has allowed people to pay fines over the internet.
Sweeney also sat on the bench as a substitute judge for 28 years.