S.D.: Presumptive probation remains controversial six years after passage

Mitchell Daily Republic: "Presumptive probation was one of many changes made to the state's criminal justice system as part of Senate Bill 70, also known as the Public Safety Improvement Act, which was passed in 2013."

Minn.: Divided Court of Appeals upholds Minneapolis minimum wage law

MPR News: "A divided Minnesota Court of Appeals has affirmed Minneapolis’ minimum wage ordinance. In 2017, the city passed the ordinance calling for a phased-in $15 an hour minimum wage."

Job Announcement

A job announcement for a Juvenile Drug Court Coordinator with the Juvenile Court in Minot has been posted.

Updated bar exam application instructions available

Updated bar examination application instructions have been posted on the Board of Law Examiners webpage.

U.S. Supreme Court opinions: March 4

The United States Supreme Court has issued opinions in two copyright cases and a railroad employee pay case.

Nation: Tougher law-school sanctions could come later this spring

Arizona Republic: "The accrediting body for the nation's law schools continues to consider setting tougher standards for schools where too many graduates fail the bar exam. Even as they do, more schools are reviewing their own passage rates and changing the data they report about their graduates."

Board looks at ways to help law school budget

G.F. Herald: "Amid budget cuts and an unsuccessful dean's search, the State Board of Higher Education is searching for ways to bring extra attention to the UND School of Law during what one board member says is a 'very critical' time for the state's only law school."

Minnesota Supreme Court taking aim at mental health 'crisis' in legal profession

Minneapolis Star Tribune: "Alarmed by high levels of depression, anxiety and stress among practicing attorneys, the Minnesota Supreme Court is leading the charge against what it calls a crisis of well-being among Minnesota lawyers."

Amendments to procedural rules now in effect

Amendments to the Rules of Appellate Procedure, Civil Procedure, Criminal Procedure, Evidence, Court and the Administrative Rules took effect March 1. Here is a synopsis of the amendments.

N.D. Attorney General opinion: March 1

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem has issued an opinion that payment of the aircraft excise tax is a condition of registration and must be paid before the Aeronautics Commission may issue an aircraft registration certificate.