Peter Welte's nomination as federal judge passes Senate Judiciary Committee
G.F. Herald: "The nomination for Peter Welte to become a U.S. District Court Judge for North Dakota was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday. Welte served as Grand Forks County State's Attorney for over a decade."
Long-time LaMoure County Clerk stepping down
Karin Boom, the long-time clerk of court for LaMoure County has decided to take a step back from her duties as clerk and, at her request, has been reassigned as the deputy clerk of court. Her replacement is Billi Jo Warcken, who was appointed clerk of court effective March 1.
U.S.: Chief Justice Roberts weighs ethics code for high court
Courthouse News Service: "At a hearing Thursday on the high court’s budget, Justice Elena Kagan told lawmakers that Chief Justice John Roberts is looking into the possibility of drafting a code of conduct that applies only to Supreme Court justices."A friendlier path to divorce? Minnesota lawmakers are considering it
Duluth News Tribune: "Minnesota couples considering divorce would be able to bypass the courts under a proposal advancing through the state Legislature. The proposal would give married couples the option to set the terms of their divorce and file for marital dissolution through a cooperative divorce program."
Montana Supreme Court orders new trial for Helena man found guilty after using truck, boat to stop high-speed chase
KTVH News: "The Montana Supreme Court has ordered a new trial in the case of a Helena man who was found guilty of misdemeanor charges after he used his truck and boat to stop a high-speed chase."Gov. Burgum signs bill raising age of culpability in North Dakota
Bismarck Tribune: "Gov. Doug Burgum has signed a bill raising the age of criminal responsibility in North Dakota. Governor's spokesman Mike Nowatzki said Burgum signed House Bill 1039 Wednesday, one of 10 bills he signed as the first of the 2019 legislative session. The bill raises the age of culpability from 7 to 10."
U.S.: Court lifts ban on Minnesota boys joining school dance teams
Reuters: "A federal appeals court on Wednesday blocked the Minnesota State High School League from enforcing a rule barring boys from joining their high schools’ competitive dance teams. The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the rule probably violated the equal protection clause of the Constitution’s 14th Amendment."
South Dakota Supreme Court rules against rapist imprisoned In Iowa
KELO News: "he South Dakota Supreme Court has upheld the 40-year sentence in the state penitentiary for a rapist who was already doing 30 years in Iowa. Shaylan Yeager had challenged the longer South Dakota sentence, claiming it was excessive and the judge abused his discretion."
Amendment would raise civil lawsuit filing fee to support UND law school
G.F. Herald: "The State Bar Association of North Dakota introduced an amendment to the state judiciary budget that would provide direct, long-term support to the UND law school Tuesday in front of the Senate Appropriations committee."