A Millennial in management: Thunder takes over top job in North Dakota Labor Department

Jamestown Sun: "Erica Thunder took over the top job in the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights earlier this month. In a couple of weeks, she'll turn 30. Despite that relative youth, Thunder wasn't daunted by her new responsibilities."

North Dakota female prison populations hit capacity

My ND Now: "North Dakota’s female prison population has reached capacity for the first time, leaving some inmates in the custody of county jails."

Job Announcement

A job announcement for a Paralegal with the Attorney General's Office in Bismarck has been posted.

Attorney Jack McDonald receives Liberty Bell Award for First Amendment advocacy

Bismarck Tribune: "Bismarck attorney Jack McDonald received the State Bar Association of North Dakota's Liberty Bell Award [June 13] for work McDonald has done during the course of his career on First Amendment issues."

Job Announcement

A job announcement for a Legal Assistant II with the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents in Dickinson has been posted.

Job Announcement

A job announcement for Contract Attorneys for the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents in the Northwest, South Central and Southeast Judicial Districts has been posted.

Job Announcement

A job announcement for an Assistant Attorney General (Civil Litigation) with the Attorney General's Office in Bismarck has been posted.

Job Announcement

A job announcement for an Assistant Attorney General (Criminal and Regulatory) with the Attorney General's Office in Bismarck has been posted.

Job Announcement

A job announcement for an Assistant Attorney General to serve as director of the Medicaid Fraud Unit in Bismarck has been posted.

Job Announcement

Four job announcements for Assistant United States Attorneys for the District of North Dakota have been posted.

Federalist Society offers free CLE event June 12

The North Dakota Lawyers Chapter of the Federalist Society will present a free continuing legal education event at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12 in the Mozart Room at the Delta Hotels by Marriott in Fargo.

Job Announcement

A job announcement for an Attorney I with the Child Support Division of the Department of Human Services in Bismarck has been posted.

Dakota Datebook: The most remarkable trial

Prairie Public: "On this date in 1912, the Bismarck Tribune reported that Myron R. Kent quietly passed away in the state penitentiary. The news did not cause much of a stir. But at one time, Kent was at the center of what had been dubbed 'the most remarkable trial in the annals of the west.'"

N.D. will turn vet MPs into police officers with just 2 weeks of training

Military Times: "The North Dakota National Guard struck a deal recently with the North Dakota Peace Officer Standards and Training Board to offer certain military police officers a partial training waiver."

19th Amendment passed a century ago today

G.F. Herald: "A century ago today, on June 4, 1919, Congress passed a resolution in support of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which would give women the right to vote."

U.S. Attorney's Office to focus on white collar crimes, narcotics trafficking, violence in Indian Country

G.F. Herald: "After 42 days as North Dakota’s U.S. attorney, Drew Wrigley said he has focused on strengthening the office and plans to add new team members to help prosecute white-collar crimes and narcotics trafficking while also focusing on violence in Indian Country."

Job Announcement

A job announcement for an Assistant Attorney General with the Criminal and Regulatory Division of the North Dakota Attorney General's Office in Bismarck has been posted.

Coordination between programs key to curbing recidivism, North Dakota paper says

Fargo Forum: "A new paper just published in the North Dakota State Bar magazine tackles the complicated issue of prison sentences, repeat offenders and how the state can make a difference with a more coordinated justice system."

North Dakota honors fallen officers at memorial service

Bismarck Tribune: "A bell rang 64 times near the North Dakota Peace Officers Memorial on the state Capitol grounds on Wednesday, each time proceeding the reading of the name of a law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty since 1882."

Job Announcement

Job announcements for two Assistant United States Attorney vacancies with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of North Dakota have been posted.

N.D. Attorney General opinion: May 14

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem has issued an opinion that a city may not enact an ordinance similar to or identical to a state criminal law unless given specific statutory authority to regulate that area.

Latest N.D. Law Review issue now online

Volume 94, Issue 2 of the North Dakota Law Review is now available online.

N.D. Attorney General opinion: May 13

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem has issued an opinion that the City of Napoleon did not violate the law because the discussions by the mayor and two council members were not subject to open meetings requirements.

North Dakota ranks third in the country when it comes to juvenile drug arrests

Jamestown Sun: "A recent study revealed juvenile drug arrest rates in North Dakota are among the highest in the country, and federal numbers show those numbers have increased over the last decade."

Job Announcement

A job announcement for an Attorney II (Public Defender) with the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents in Fargo has been posted.

Judge Olson, Judge Stiel and Justice Jensen speak at NDAJ Annual Meeting

On May 9, East Central District Court Judges Thomas Olson and Stephannie Stiel along with Justice Jon J. Jensen, participated in a panel providing “Practical Tips from the Bench” at the North Dakota Association for Justice Annual Meeting in Fargo.

Juveniles are committing violent crimes at the highest rate in five years

KX News: "Only about 14 percent of unruly and delinquent offenses committed by juveniles, ever see a day in court. The rest are dealt with through intervention, treatment and sometimes community service, that won't result in a criminal record."

Gov. Burgum appoints new North Dakota labor commissioner

Bismarck Tribune: "Gov. Doug Burgum on Thursday appointed a new North Dakota labor commissioner. Erica Thunder will lead the Department of Labor and Human Rights, succeeding Michelle Kommer. Thunder comes to the job after 2.5 years as the judicial systems administrator for the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission."

Gov. Burgum signs bill reforming forfeiture in North Dakota

Bismarck Tribune: "Gov. Doug Burgum on Thursday signed the last 53 bills remaining from the 2019 North Dakota legislative session, including one reforming civil asset forfeiture. Rep. Rick Becker, R-Bismarck, brought the original bill to eliminate the 'perverse incentive' of 'policing for profit.'"

N.D. Attorney General opinion: May 3

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem has issued an opinion that a response to an open records request is required even if no records exist.

UND School of Law commencement set for May 4

The University of North Dakota School of Law will confer the degree of Juris Doctor during commencement ceremonies at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, at the Chester Fritz Auditorium on the UND campus in Grand Forks.

LSND to hold summer CLE June 12

Legal Services of North Dakota will hold its annual summer continuing legal education seminar on June 12 in Fargo.

Hurting for attorneys, UND program boosts rural numbers

Public News Service: "There’s a mounting attorney shortage in rural areas of the state, and the University of North Dakota is tackling the issue head on. The Rural Justice program at the UND School of Law offers scholarships to students to work in the places that need them most."

Job Announcement

A job announcement for Director of Admissions at the University of North Dakota School of Law in Grand Forks has been posted.

Fargo family succeeds in changing state law on juvenile sexual assault cases

Dickinson Press: "Gov. Doug Burgum has signed a bill into law that aims to improve victim and treatment services in juvenile sexual assault cases after a Fargo family pushed for the changes in the North Dakota Legislature."

N.D. Attorney General opinion: April 16

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem has issued an opinion that records relating to an ongoing lawsuit involving a public entity must be obtained through the discovery process, not the open records laws.

Job Announcement

A job announcement for an attorney to work with Legal Services of North Dakota/Legal Advocates for Health in Fargo has been posted.

February 2019 bar examination results

The State Board of Law Examiners have announced the results of the February 2019 bar examination. Of the 37 applicants who sat for the bar examination in Bismarck on February 26-27, 18 applicants achieved a passing score. This is a 49% overall pass rate, compared to 45% a year ago.

N.D. Attorney General opinions: April 12

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem has issued an opinion that the City of Mandan did not violate the law by failing to provide requested records because it never received a request and an opinion that the Crystal Lake Township Board of Supervisors violated the law when they held a special meeting but did not post a meeting notice.

Drew Wrigley confirmed as U.S. Attorney for North Dakota

KX Net: "The United States Senate confirmed former North Dakota Lt. Governor Drew Wrigley to again serve as U.S. Attorney for the state. Wrigley previously held U.S. Attorney post from 2001 to 2009."

Job Announcement

A job announcement for an Attorney I in the Child Support Enforcement Office in Grand Forks has been posted.

North Dakota Law Review Energy Law Symposium set for April 11

The North Dakota Law Review Energy Law Symposium will be held April 11 at the National Energy Center of Excellence in Bismarck. The symposium will feature a comprehensive program of energy related topics. There is no charge to attend and the event has been approved for 7.75 CLE credits.

Judgeship for Burleigh, Morton area added to North Dakota judicial budget

Bismarck Tribune: "North Dakota's Senate has passed the budget bill for the judicial branch, including a judgeship for the district that covers Burleigh and Morton counties. Senators unanimously passed the 2019-21 judicial budget bill on Monday."

N.D. Attorney General opinion: April 4

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem has issued an opinion that the ND Forensic Examiner’s Office and UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences did not violate the open records law by refusing to disclose the Reports of Death while the investigations were still active.

'Servant leader' makes his case

UND Today: "Mike McGinniss describes himself as a servant leader. 'I plan to lead by example,' said the newly appointed dean of the UND School of Law. 'I’m excited and humbled, and see this as an opportunity for great challenges and great possibilities.'"

UND law students enjoy litigation discussion

On March 3, first year law students at the University of North Dakota School of Law had an opportunity to listen to a panel of several members of the North Dakota bar who shared their litigation experiences and answered questions from the students on a variety of litigation topics.

Indigent defense offices work hard to recruit attorneys

Minot Daily News: "The hiring challenges facing public defenders’ offices in western North Dakota might not currently be as severe as those of prosecutors’ offices, but they are just as real, according to information from the North Dakota Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents."

Two CLE Programs to be held at UND School of Law on April 5

On April 5, the UND School of Law Rural Practice Association is hosting a program on Alternative Sentencing and the Law Library will present a Legal Technology Bootcamp. Both programs offer CLE credits.

North Dakota juvenile justice efforts advance in House, Senate

Bismarck Tribune: "The state Senate on Wednesday approved a resolution to study the state's juvenile justice system in the 2019-20 interim. And by an 81-9 vote, the House passed Senate Bill 2313, which would establish a children's cabinet and a six-year commission on juvenile justice in North Dakota."

UND law school Helen Hamilton Day program set for March 29

The UND Law Women’s Caucus will host the Helen Hamilton Day program titled “Ordinary Women Doing Extraordinary Things” on Friday, March 29. The program has been approved for 3 ND CLE Credits and there is no charge to attend.

Job Announcement

A job announcement for Director of Admissions at the University of North Dakota School of Law in Grand Forks has been posted.

Parenting coordinator training set for June in Bismarck

New Parenting Coordinator Training will be held June 18-20 and Advanced Parenting Coordinator Training will be held June 20 in Bismarck. This training will satisfy the 12 hour specialized parenting coordinator training requirement in N.D.R.Ct. 8.11.

Job Announcement

A job announcement for an indigent defense contractor with the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents in the Northwest Judicial District has been posted.

North Dakota advocates for local BIA training facility to combat tribal officer shortage

Bismarck Tribune: "North Dakota tribal leaders called Wednesday for the Bureau of Indian Affairs to “step it up” and provide more law enforcement resources while state officials advocated for a local BIA training facility to better recruit tribal officers."

N.D. Attorney General opinion: March 18

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem has issued an opinion that bonds payable from appropriations made by the Legislative Assembly must be subject to modification or repeal by future legislative assemblies in order to be upheld against a constitutional debt limit challenge.

Pretrial services likely next focus of North Dakota justice reform

Bismarck Tribune: "Efforts are underway from multiple branches of state government to study pretrial detention and services for potential reform in North Dakota."

Job Announcement

A job announcement for an Attorney III General Counsel with the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in Bismarck has been posted.

Seminar on Alternative Sentencing in North Dakota set for April 5 at UND

The Rural Practice Association is hosting a combined CLE/CJE at the UND School of Law on Alternative Sentencing in North Dakota. The event will take place on April 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Women's prison inmates voice opinions on two year study

KFYR News: "The Dakota Women's Correctional Center in New England is expected to stay open for at least another two years. This comes after Gov. Doug Burgum announced its potential closure during an address in December."

Job Announcement

A job announcement for Contract Attorneys with the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents in the Southeast Judicial District has been posted.

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."

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."

New law school dean, backed with student support, ready to take the helm

G.F. Herald: "With the support of students and attorneys from across North Dakota, Michael McGinniss is ready to take the helm at the UND School of Law. McGinniss was named to the position following an internal search headed by UND Provost Thomas DiLorenzo."

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."

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.

Wrigley nomination for US attorney in North Dakota takes step toward confirmation

G.F. Herald: "The Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced the nomination of Drew Wrigley to become the U.S. attorney for North Dakota. The committee moved Wrigley's nomination by voice vote on Thursday, Feb. 28, to the Senate floor for consideration."

Proposed study sees 'more to do' for North Dakota's juvenile justice system

Bismarck Tribune: "A Bismarck lawmaker has proposed a study of North Dakota's juvenile justice system, seeing "more to do" after a previous study. Rep. Lawrence Klemin, R-Bismarck, who is also speaker of the House, introduced House Concurrent Resolution 3031 to the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday."

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."

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."

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.

Job Announcement

A job announcement for a Contract Administrative Law Judge with the North Dakota Office of Administrative Hearings in Bismarck has been posted.

Job Announcement

A job announcement for an Attorney (Public Defender) - Temporary with the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents in Minot has been posted.

North Dakota reforms its prisons, Norwegian style

U.S. News: "Classrooms are complete with fish tanks bubbling with underwater life. Poetry slams and barbeques are a regular occurrence. Students take field trips to better understand history and groups volunteer once a month, serving food to the homeless."

N.D. Law Review Energy Law Symposium set for March 14 in Bismarck

The 2019 North Dakota Law Review Energy Law Symposium will be held March 14 at the National Energy Center of Excellence in Bismarck. The symposium is approved for 7.75 North Dakota CLE credits and there is no charge to attend.

UND Law wins championship at regional trial competition

UND News Release: "This past weekend, the UND Law Trial Team of Emily Christensen, Montana Funk, and Erica Skogen emerged the overall winner of the National Trial Competition for Region 12 held in Lincoln, Nebraska."

North Dakota judicial budget moves ahead without requested judgeship

Bismarck Tribune: "North Dakota House lawmakers approved the state's judicial budget on Monday, but without a new judgeship requested for the district that includes Burleigh and Morton counties."

Ernst to give lecture on Mayflower Compact Feb. 27

UND News Release: "Julia Ernst, School of Law, will present the next Faculty Lecture, 'The Mayflower Compact and the U.S. Constitution,' at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, in the Memorial Union Lecture Bowl."

Study shows just how violent Bakken became as oil drilling surged in North Dakota, Montana

Fargo Forum: "The notion that crime boomed in the Bakken as oil development took off is nothing new. But a study released this month by the Bureau of Justice Statistics offers a detailed look at the spike in Oil Patch violence."

Job Announcement

A job announcement for a Contract Administrative Law Judge with the North Dakota Office of Administrative Hearings in Bismarck has been posted.

Dakota Datebook: Lincoln's North Dakota Legacy

Prairie Public Dakota Datebook: "One of President Buchanan's last acts was to sign the Organic Act, which created Dakota territory. Consequently, the territory was just two days old when President Lincoln took office in 1861."