Statutory amendments, new rule deal with defendant competency

Amendments to section 12.1-04-08 of the North Dakota Century Code will take effect on Aug. 1, 2023. These amendments relate to defendants who lack fitness to proceed.

Job Announcement - Staff Attorney

A job announcement for a Staff Attorney with the Supreme Court in Bismarck has been posted.

Job Announcement - Program Manager

A job announcement for a Program Manager with the Office of the State Court Administrator in Bismarck has been posted.

Courthouses to close for Independence Day

The Supreme Court and county courthouses across the state will be closed Tuesday, July 4, for Independence Day. Courthouses in Barnes, Bottineau, Bowman, Burke, Cavalier, Dunn, Golden Valley, Griggs, LaMoure, Logan, McIntosh, McKenzie, McLean, Mountrail, Nelson, Pembina, Ramsey, Ransom, Renville, Richland, Rolette, Sargent, Slope, Traill, Ward, and Wells counties will also be closed Monday, July 3.

Long-time staff attorney to retire

Mike Hagburg, who has served as a staff attorney to the state court administrator’s office for 22 years, has announced his retirement effective June 30.

Job Announcement - Supreme Court Law Clerks

A job announcement for five Law Clerks with the Supreme Court in Bismarck for the 2024-2025 term has been posted.

Juror pay to increase

North Dakota jurors will be getting a raise starting July 1, 2023. The legislature, acting at the request of the Supreme Court, has doubled the daily rate of juror pay.

Job Announcement - Juvenile Court Data Specialist

A job announcement for a Juvenile Court Data Specialist with the Office of the State Court Administrator in Bismarck has been posted.

Court system to offer parenting coordinator training

The court system will offer a two-day parenting coordinator training class with Dr. Matthew Sullivan June 21-22. The training is free and will meet the requirements of N.D.R.Ct. 8.11.

Family law mediator applications now being accepted

Applications are now being accepted for mediators to mediate for the Family Mediation Program in Bismarck, Fargo, and Williston.

Courthouses to close for Memorial Day

The Supreme Court and county courthouses across the state will be closed Monday, May 29, for Memorial Day.

Court system releases 2022 Juvenile Court Annual Report

The 2022 Juvenile Court Annual Report for the North Dakota Court System is now available. The report looks specifically at referrals to juvenile court, disposition of juvenile cases, and specific programs within the juvenile court offices across the state.

Luella Dunn 1921 - 2023

Former North Dakota Supreme Court Clerk of Court, Luella Dunn died March 9. She was the first female Supreme Court Clerk of Court and only the third person to hold the office since statehood. She served in that capacity from October 30, 1968 until her retirement on June 30, 1992. A memorial service will be held Monday, May 15, in Bismarck.

Court system adopts new juvenile court case management system

The court system went live Monday, May 1, with a new juvenile court case management system. The court uses this software to file and track referrals to juvenile court.

Application deadline May 1 for 2023 Justices Teaching Institute

The deadline for secondary history, government, and social studies teachers to apply to the 2023 North Dakota Justices Teaching Institute is May 1.

Court system to hold seminar on court-appointed visitors

On April 25, the court system will hold a two-hour seminar on the role that court-appointed visitors play when a petition is filed for the appointment of a guardian. Registration is required, but there is no cost to attend.

21 new attorneys admitted to bar

In a ceremony in the Ralph Erickstad Courtroom April 20, 21 new attorneys were admitted to the bar.

Job Announcement - Programmer Analyst

A job announcement for a Programmer Analyst I/Systems Analyst I with the Office of the State Court Administrator in Bismarck has been posted.

Odyssey system to be down this weekend

The Judicial Branch Information Technology department will be upgrading the Odyssey system beginning Friday, April 14 at 6 p.m. The system will be unavailable over the weekend.

Courthouses to close for Good Friday

The Supreme Court and courthouses across the state will be closed April 7 for the Good Friday holiday.

February 2023 bar examination results released

The State Board of Law Examiners met to review applications and make recommendations for the admission to practice law in North Dakota based on the results of the February 2023 state bar exam. Twenty-one of the 39 applicants who sat for the exam passed. This is a 54 percent pass rate, compared to 68 percent in 2022.

New Law Review issue available online

The North Dakota Law Review recently published Volume 98, Issue 1, and has posted it online.

Justice McEvers, Judge Bailey speak on paths to bench

East Central Judicial District Judge Susan L. Bailey and Supreme Court Justice Lisa Fair McEvers recently presented on “Paths to the Bench” for Women’s History month at Touchmark in Fargo. In attendance were their law professors Larry Kraft and Pauline Paulson.

Justice VandeWalle honored at retirement celebration

Chief Justice Jon Jensen, Gov. Doug Burgum, Attorney General Drew Wrigley, members of the judiciary, friends and colleagues celebrated Justice Gerald W. VandeWalle at a March 28 retirement event. A video of the celebration has now been posted.

Justice VandeWalle retirement event will be held today

Supreme Court Justice Gerald VandeWalle's retirement celebration will be held Tuesday, March 28, from 3-5 p.m. at the State Capitol in Bismarck.

New weather policy for in-person oral arguments

The Supreme Court adopted a new weather policy for in-person oral arguments on March 15, 2023.

Job Announcement - Juvenile Court Data Specialist

A job announcement for a Juvenile Court Data Specialist with the Office of the State Court Administrator in Bismarck has been posted.

Dakota Datebook: Justice Beryl Levine

Prairie Public: "Four women have served on the North Dakota Supreme Court. The first was Beryl Levine, appointed by Governor George Sinner in 1985."

Rule amendments effective March 1

Amendments to the Rules of Civil Procedure, Criminal Procedure, Juvenile Procedure, Evidence and the Administrative Rules take effect March 1.

Justice Bahr investiture to be held today

The formal investiture of Justice Doug Bahr to the Supreme Court will be held at 3 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 27 at the State Capitol in Bismarck.

Kinnischtzke to serve as staff attorney with Court

Erica M. Kinnischtzke has been hired by the Supreme Court as a staff attorney. She replaces Dawn Hinkley, who has taken a position in St. Paul, Minn., after 17 years with the Court.

Courthouses closed for President's Day

The Supreme Court and courthouses across the state will be closed Monday, Feb 20, for the President's Day holiday.

Courthouses closed for Martin Luther King Day

The Supreme Court and county courthouses across the state will be closed Monday, Jan. 16, for the Martin Luther King Day holiday.

Job Announcement - Staff Attorney

A job announcement for a Staff Attorney with the Supreme Court in Bismarck has been posted.

Job Announcement - Chief Deputy Supreme Court Clerk

A job announcement for Chief Deputy Clerk of the Supreme Court in Bismarck has been posted.

Law library a resource for legislative history

The Supreme Court Law Library has access to legislative histories from the 67th Legislative Assembly Special Session (2021) back to the 36th Legislative Assembly (1959).

Governor appoints Judge Bahr to Supreme Court

Gov. Doug Burgum on Jan. 9 announced the appointment of Judge Douglas Bahr to the North Dakota Supreme Court, effective Feb. 1.

2023 State of the Judiciary address

On Jan. 3, 2023, North Dakota Chief Justice Jon Jensen presented the State of the Judiciary Address to the Legislative Assembly.

Courthouses closed for New Year's holiday

The Supreme Court and county courthouses across the state will be closed Monday, Jan. 2, for the New Year's holiday.

Lawyer licenses expire Dec. 31

The State Board of Law Examiners reminds lawyers that 2022 licenses to practice law in North Dakota expire Dec. 31, 2022, regardless of when the 2022 license fee was paid.

Courthouses closed for Christmas holiday

The Supreme Court and county courthouses around the state will be closed Monday, Dec. 26, for Christmas. In addition, the courthouses in Barnes, Emmons, Foster, McKenzie, Mountrail, Pierce, Renville, Sargent and Traill counties will close at noon on Friday, Dec. 23, while courthouses in Adams, Billings, Bottineau, Bowman, Burke, Dickey, Dunn, Eddy, Golden Valley, Grand Forks, Griggs, Kidder, LaMoure, Logan, Nelson, Pembina, Ramsey, Ransom, Richland, Sheridan, Sioux, Stark, Steele, Towner and Wells counties will be closed all day Dec. 23.

Judicial Nominating Committee names finalists for Supreme Court vacancy

Two judges and an attorney have been named as finalists to fill the upcoming vacancy on the Supreme Court. They are South Central Judicial District Judge Doug Bahr, North Central Judicial District Judge Stacy Louser and Assistant United States Attorney Jake Rodenbiker.

Interest rate set for 2023 judgments

The State Court Administrator has set the interest rate on judgments entered in 2023 at 10 percent.

Former chief deputy clerk to head California appeals court office

Colette Bruggman, who served 17 years with the Supreme Court's clerk office, has been appointed clerk/executive officer of the California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District, effective Jan. 1, 2023.

Judges, attorneys apply for Supreme Court vacancy

Judges Doug Bahr, Daniel El-Dweek and Stacy Louser and attorneys David Hagler, Kiara Kraus-Parr, Angela Elsperger Lord and Jake Rodenbiker have applied for the Supreme Court vacancy that will be created by the retirement of Justice Gerald VandeWalle.

Pro hac vice fee payment reminder

Under Admission to Practice Rule 3, attorneys continuing to appear pro hac vice in 2023 in a North Dakota state court proceeding for which they have already filed a motion for pro hac vice admission are required to pay a fee of $380 by Jan. 1, 2023.

Changes to reliable electronic means rule effective Dec. 1

Amendments to N.D.Sup.Ct.Admin.R. 52 on reliable electronic means proceedings took effect on Dec. 1.

Notice of Supreme Court vacancy

The Judicial Nominating Committee has received a letter from Gov. Doug Burgum convening the committee to screen applicants and submit a list of nominees to fill the seat on the Supreme Court as a result of the retirement of Justice Gerald W. VandeWalle. Applications are due Friday, Dec.2.

Supreme Court dedicates conference room to Justice Levine

In a ceremony on Nov. 21, the justices of the North Dakota Supreme Court dedicated a conference room in honor of former Supreme Court Justice Beryl Levine.

Justice VandeWalle announces retirement

Justice Gerald W. VandeWalle has notified Governor Burgum of his retirement from the Supreme Court effective January 31, 2023. He has served on the Court since 1978.

Job Announcement - Technology Coordinator

A job announcement for a Technology Coordinator with the Office of State Court Administrator in Bismarck has been posted.

Supreme Court to dedicate conference room to Justice Levine

On Monday, Nov. 21, the Supreme Court will name a conference room in honor of Justice Beryl J. Levine, the first woman to serve on the Court. The ceremony will be held in the Ralph J. Erickstad Courtroom beginning at 9 a.m. and is open to the public.

Courthouses closed for Veterans' Day

The Supreme Court and county courthouses across the state will be closed Friday, Nov. 11, for Veterans' Day.

Court approves amendments to records access rule

Effective Nov. 1, the Supreme Court has adopted significant changes to Administrative Rule 41 on access to court records.

Supreme Court accepting applications for Rural Attorney Recruitment Program

The North Dakota Supreme Court is currently accepting applications from counties and municipalities interested in participating in the Rural Attorney Recruitment Program.

Lawyers encouraged to apply to Rural Attorney Recruitment Program

The Rural Attorney Recruitment Program was established by the legislature in 2021 with the goal of increasing the number of lawyers residing and working in rural North Dakota.

Law library adds legal treatise listing

The Law Library has added a new feature to its webpage: Treatises in the library's collection are now listed by topic. Users may contact the library to request a treatise or to get more information about a treatise.

Lawyers reminded to verify their mailing address

Lawyers are reminded to verify their mailing address on their lawyer page, which can be found on the Lawyer Search page of the North Dakota Courts website.

Court system to offer training seminars for guardians

In November and December, the court system will be offering virtual education seminars on issues of interest to guardians and attorneys. The seminars have been approved by SBAND for CLE credits.

Supreme Court resumes prior oral argument procedure

For arguments held in September 2022, the Supreme Court adopted a block argument procedure. Beginning in October 2022, the Supreme Court will resume its prior oral argument procedure.

State court administrator receives Warren E. Burger Award

On Sept. 28, longtime North Dakota State Court Administrator Sally Holewa received the Warren E. Burger Award for Excellence in Court Administration from the National Center for State Courts.

37 new lawyers admitted to N.D. bar

In a Sept. 23 ceremony at the State Capitol, 37 new lawyers were admitted to the North Dakota bar.

Supreme Court chooses law clerks for 2023-2024 term

The Supreme Court has selected Orrin Burch, Haley Finch, Dixie Holland, Casey Orvedal and Charles Steinberger to serve one-year clerkships beginning Aug. 1, 2023.

July 2022 bar examination results released

The State Board of Law Examiners have announced the results of the July 2022 bar examination. Of the 66 applicants who sat for the bar examination in Bismarck, 39 applicants achieved a passing score.

Job Announcement - Judicial Assistant to Supreme Court Justice

A job announcement for a Judicial Assistant to a Justice with the Supreme Court in Bismarck has been posted.

Courts to close for holiday

The Supreme Court and courts across the state will be closed Monday, Sept. 5, for the Labor Day holiday.

Supreme Court adopts a block argument procedure

The Supreme Court has adopted a block argument procedure starting Sept. 2. The second argument of the morning and afternoon will be called for argument immediately upon completion of the first.

Administrative rule amendments take effect Sept. 1

N.D.Sup.Ct.Admin.R. 51 on the mortality table for sentencing offenders and N.D.Sup.Ct.Admin.R. 58 on vexatious litigation have been amended effective Sept. 1.

Job Announcement - Technology Coordinator

A job announcement for a Technology Coordinator in Bismarck has been posted.

Supreme Court welcomes new law clerks

Austin Artz of Minot, Krista Christopherson of Mandan, Samantha Schmidt of Fargo, Rainey Selvig of Bismarck, and Claire Thompson of Grand Forks, all began one-year clerkships with the Supreme Court on Aug. 1.

July bar examination begins

The North Dakota Bar Exam began on Tuesday, July 26, with 66 applicants taking the exam.

Uniform Law Commission annual meeting begins

North Dakota commissioners are in attendance at the Uniform Law Commission's annual meeting in Philadelphia. The meeting runs through July 14.

Job Announcement - Supreme Court Law Clerks

A job announcement for five Law Clerks with the Supreme Court in Bismarck has been posted. Applications are due July 6.

Courthouses to close for holiday

The Supreme Court and county courthouses across the state will be closed Monday, July 4, for the Independence Day holiday.

Court amends conduct rules relating to attorney fees

The Supreme Court has amended the Rules of Professional Conduct to add clarifying language on fees. The amendments are effective July 1, 2022.

Courts to close for holiday

The Supreme Court and courthouses across the state will be closed Monday, May 30, for the Memorial Day holiday.

Judicial Branch audit for biennium completed

The Office of the State Auditor has issued an Audit Report for the Biennium Ended June 30, 2021 for the Judicial Branch of the State of North Dakota.

Parenting investigator, guardian ad litem training to be held June 8-10

Registration is open for parenting investigator and guardian ad litem 18-hour certification training. A workshop will be held June 8-10 in Bismarck.

New lawyers admitted to bar in Supreme Court ceremony

Nineteen new lawyers were admitted to the North Dakota bar during a ceremony on April 26 in the Supreme Court's Ralph Erickstad courtroom.

Attorney admissions ceremony to be live streamed

The attorney admissions ceremony will be held Tuesday, April 26 at 3 p.m. Audio and video of the event will be livestreamed on the Supreme Court’s YouTube channel.

Courthouses to close for holiday

The Supreme Court and county courthouses across the state will be closed April 15 for the Good Friday holiday.

Courthouses closed April 14

The Supreme Court and the Billings, Burleigh, Dunn, Foster, Kidder, McIntosh, Oliver, Ramsey, Rolette, Stark, and Wells County courthouses will be closed Thursday, April 14, due to the weather. The LaMoure County Clerk of Court's office is closing at 9 a.m.

Supreme Court offices closed due to weather

The physical offices of the Supreme Court, Clerk of the Supreme Court, Law Library and Office of the State Court Administrator will be closed throughout the duration of the current winter storm in Bismarck. Services will continue to be available through employees who are working remotely.

Court system releases 2021 Annual Report

The 2021 annual report for the North Dakota Court System has been posted. The report provides statistics and information on all court system activity.

February 2022 bar exam results released

The State Board of Law Examiners met April 4 to review applications and make recommendations for the admission to practice law in North Dakota based on the results of the February 2022 state bar exam.

Job Announcement - Technology Coordinator

A job announcement for a Technology Coordinator with the Office of State Court Administrator in Bismarck has been posted.

Supreme Court accepting applications for Rural Attorney Recruitment Program

The North Dakota Supreme Court is currently accepting applications from counties, municipalities and attorneys interested in participating in the Rural Attorney Recruitment Program.

Changes to appellate rules effective March 1

Amendments to the Rules of Appellate Procedure took effect March 1. The rules will be applied to all documents filed on or after March 1, regardless of the status of the appeal.

Amendments to rules on trial court procedure now in effect

Effective March 1, the Supreme Court made amendments to the Rules of Civil Procedure, Criminal Procedure, Evidence and the Administrative Rules.

February 2022 bar examination begins

The North Dakota Bar Examination began on Tuesday, Feb. 22, with 25 applicants taking the exam.

Courthouses to close for holiday

The Supreme Court and county courthouses across the state will be closed Monday, Feb. 21, for Presidents' Day.

Court seeks comment on conduct rule amendments

The Supreme Court is seeking comment on proposed amendments to Rules of Professional Conduct 1.5 and 1.15 regarding fees. Comments are due no later than Feb. 21.

Courthouses to close for King holiday

The Supreme Court and county courthouses across the state will be closed Monday, Jan. 17, for Martin Luther King Day.

Law library resources available to attorneys and public

The Law Library is now offering in-person visits by appointment, along with its ongoing phone, email, and mail legal research assistance.

Courthouses to close Dec. 31

The Supreme Court and county courthouses across the state will be closed Dec. 31 in observance of the New Year's Day holiday.

Lawyer licenses expire Dec. 31

The State Board of Law Examiners reminds lawyers that 2021 licenses to practice law in North Dakota expire Dec. 31, 2021, regardless of when the 2021 license fee was paid.

Pro hac vice fee payment reminder

Attorneys who will continue to appear in 2022 in a North Dakota proceeding for which they have already filed a motion for pro hac vice admission are required to pay a fee of $380 by Jan. 1, 2022.

Job Announcement - Business Analyst I

A job announcement for a Business Analyst I in the Office of the State Court Administrator in Bismarck has been posted.