Described as a beloved professor, brilliant scholar, and fun and funny colleague, Anthony Johnstone was sworn in Friday at the University of Montana as judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Chief Judge Emeritus of the Ninth Circuit Sidney Thomas, of Billings, administered the oath of office to Johnstone, a law school faculty member, former solicitor general for Montana, and former clerk for Thomas.

“You will be a terrific member of our court,” Thomas said.

The ceremony took place in the Jane and George Dennison Theatre at UM, and members of the legal community from Montana and across the country attended and gave Johnstone a standing ovation and offered cheers for Thomas.

Johnstone’s wife, Autumn DeVos Johnstone, and their three children participated in the ceremony, and the Bible he used to take his oath belonged to his grandfather’s grandfather.

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