In a historic first, Judge Kathy Seeley ruled wholly in favor of the 16 youth in Held v. State of Montana
In August 2023, Judge Kathy Seeley ruled wholly in favor of the youth, enshrining into law science-based protections for children’s fundamental rights.
Filing Date
Judge
Location
Days of Trial
7
Plaintiffs
16
Experts
12
Counsel
4
Co-Counsel
3
25
Montana organizations powered democracy, adopting days of trial filling the courtroom, cheering on the Plaintiffs, and hosting events
358
total pieces of global media coverage told the story of Held from trial to decision
683
pages were submitted to the court in the form of expert reports distilling decades of scientific research into understandable content
On July 10, 2024, counsel for the youth plaintiffs appeared before the Montana Supreme Court, asking the Court to affirm the August 2023 District Court ruling that declared that the state of Montana’s laws that require it to turn a blind eye to young people’s climate injuries while promoting fossil fuel activities violate their constitutional rights to a clean and healthful environment, including a livable climate, their dignity, safety, and equal protection of the law. The youth plaintiffs now await a ruling from the Montana Supreme Court.
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