New opinion: Feb. 26

The Supreme Court posted a new opinion on Feb. 26.

McGinniss named Law School dean

UND News Release: "Michael McGinniss, associate professor of law at UND, has been named dean of the School of Law by Provost Tom DiLorenzo. 'It was clear from the beginning of our renewed search for the next dean of the UND Law School that there was strong support for Professor McGinniss, and after careful review and after conducting the interview process, I can see why,' DiLorenzo said."

Court adopts amendments to Rules of Appellate Procedure effective March 1

Lawyers should be prepared for significant changes in appeal procedure effective March 1, 2019, due to rule amendments recently adopted by the Supreme Court. The new procedures will apply to all cases in which the Notice of Appeal is filed after March 1. Attorneys who plan to commence appeals after March 1 should review the rule amendments carefully.

Judge Tom Olson, Justice Jon J. Jensen visit Shanley High School

On Feb. 25, Judge Tom Olson, East Central Judicial District, and Supreme Court Justice Jon J. Jensen visited students at Shanley High School in Fargo to speak to students about the North Dakota judicial system, jury trials and the role of the judges in the justice system.

Greater Grand Forks County Bar Association swears in officers

The newly elected Greater Grand Forks County Bar Association Officers were sworn in at the February meeting. Sarah Atkinson will serve as president, Andrea Pinkerton as vice-president and Tyler Niederwerder as secretary-treasurer.

Law enforcement says it has adapted to population growth since the oil boom

KX.net: "A new report by The Bureau of Justice Statistics shows how violent crimes increased in the Bakken during the oil boom. The sudden population influx made things difficult for small rural police departments, but one police department said it will be ready for any future growth."

8th Circuit decides N.D. case

The United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit has affirmed the district court's grant of summary judgment in a North Dakota oilfield personal injury case.

U.S. Supreme Court Feb. 27 arguments

Wednesday, the United States Supreme Court will hear arguments in a case on whether government-funded display and maintenance of a 40-foot-tall cross-shaped World War I memorial at a public highway intersection violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

Job Announcement

A job announcement for Labor Commissioner for the State of North Dakota in Bismarck has been posted.

Changes to criminal rules go into effect March 1

On March 1, amendments to the Rules of Criminal Procedure and the Supreme Court Administrative rules relating to criminal cases become effective. Here is an explanation of these upcoming criminal rule changes.