Montana Code Annotated · § 3-5-122 — Judge pro tempore or special master in criminal cases -- appointment

(1) One or more judges of a judicial district may designate a judge pro tempore or a special master in a criminal case to hear and determine any preliminary, nondispositive matter pending in a criminal case before the court if the district court judge or judges find that the appointment serves justice.

(2) Any of the following individuals may act as a special master in a criminal case:

(a) a justice of the peace or a city judge;

(b) a retired district court judge;

(c) a retired supreme court justice; or

(d) a member of the state bar.