 They also must have been admitted to practice law in Montana for at least five years prior to the date of election.In "Cross v. VanDyke", the Montana Supreme Court held that admitted to the bar meant even though VanDyke was not an active member of the bar for five years, he was still eligible to run as a candidate for justice since his active and inactive time combined for at least five years.Justices must reside within the state during their term.