Court adopts amendments to Admin. Rule 35

The Supreme Court has adopted amendments to N.D. Sup. Ct. Admin. R. 35 regarding the Juvenile Policy Board. The amendments are effective immediately.

North Dakota judicial budget passes with new judge, library remodel

Bismarck Tribune: "As the House and Senate passed provisions for a Theodore Roosevelt presidential library at Medora, they also OK'd a $970,000 remodel of the North Dakota Supreme Court Law Library in the judicial branch budget."

Order of Adoption

Amendments to N.D. Sup. Ct. Admin. R. 35

New opinion: April 25

The Supreme Court has issued one new opinion.

Justice Crothers teaches in Ukraine

North Dakota Supreme Court Justice Daniel Crothers recently participated in two days of training for 38 newly appointed judges on the Ukraine High Anti-Corruption Court. Last week Crothers presented educational sessions in Kyiv, Ukraine on the rule of Law, fair and independent Courts and judicial decision-making.

New opinion: April 22

The Supreme Court has issued one new opinion.

New opinion: April 18

The Supreme Court has issued one new opinion.

New opinion: April 17

The Supreme Court has issued one new opinion.

Judicial system 2018 annual reports now available

The 2018 annual reports for the North Dakota Court System have been posted. The North Dakota Courts Annual Report provides statistics and information on all court system activity while the Juvenile Court Annual Report looks specifically at activity in the state's juvenile courts.

New opinion: April 15

The Supreme Court has issued one new opinion.

New opinions: April 11

The Supreme Court has issued 19 new opinions.

Job Announcement

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

New order: April 8

The Supreme Court has issued an order in an attorney discipline case.

Justice Crothers teaches at National Judicial College

Justice Dan Crothers lectured last week at the National Judicial College in Reno, Nev. He taught topics including ethics of independent investigations, discovery and admission of electronically stored information, and ethics of social media as part of the college's course for new judges.

The Supreme Court in Edgeley- The March 27, 2019 photos

The Supreme Court made a visit to Edgeley on Wednesday, March 27, to hear arguments in a case and visit with students from kindergarten to high school. Here are the photos.

New opinion: March 22

The Supreme Court posted a new opinion on March 22.

New opinion: March 21

The Supreme Court posted a new opinion on March 21.

Order of Adoption

The Supreme Court has issued an Order on Mediation Fee Waivers or Fee Reductions.

Catching up with North Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Gerald VandeWalle

UND Today: "Even beyond the legal realm, the name of Gerald VandeWalle is a familiar one. Chief Justice of North Dakota Supreme Court, VandeWalle strikes a revered figure in the state’s Capitol, where he has dedicated over six decades of his career – 20 years with the Attorney General’s office and 40 on the highest court in the state."

New opinions: March 18

The Supreme Court posted three new opinions on March 18.

New Opinions: March 15

The Supreme Court posted 4 new opinions on March 15th.

New Opinions: Mar. 13

The Supreme Court posted 21 new opinions on March 13th.

Law library adds new titles to print collection

The North Dakota Supreme Court Law Library has recently added titles to its print collection that may be of interest to the bench and bar. These include books on unbundling, evidence, child custody jurisdiction and the Indian Child Welfare Act.

North Dakota Supreme Court justice living a pipe dream

Bismarck Tribune: "Lisa Fair McEvers blew air into her bagpipes, careful not to be too loud as the drones began to sound. 'I don’t want to be bothering Al Jaeger. He’s right next door to me,' the North Dakota Supreme Court justice said, standing in her office near the wall she shares with the secretary of state at the Capitol."

Finley-Sharon, Hope-Page high school students visit the Supreme Court

On March 5, junior and senior students from Finley-Sharon and Hope-Page high schools visited the capitol. As part of their visit Justice Jon Jensen and Justice Dan Crothers visited with the students, answered questions and gave them a tour of the court's facilities.

Updated bar exam application instructions available

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

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.

Order of Adoption

The Supreme Court has adopted amendments to N.D. Sup. Ct. Admin. R. 19 involving the Court Records Management Program.

Changes to Rules of Civil Procedure, Evidence, Court effective March 1

On March 1, amendments to the Rules of Civil Procedure, Evidence and Court become effective. Here is an explanation of these upcoming changes.

February bar exam underway

The North Dakota Bar Exam began in Bismarck on Tuesday, Feb. 26, with 37 applicants taking the exam. This is down slightly from February 2018. Of the applicants sitting on Tuesday, 65 percent are graduates of the University of North Dakota School of Law. The exam ends Wednesday.

New opinion: Feb. 26

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

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.

New opinions: Feb. 25

The Supreme Court posted 2 new opinions on Feb. 25.

North Dakota court system to roll out new website

Bismarck Tribune: "North Dakota's court system will soon reveal a "refreshed" website updating its 20-year-old platform. State Court Administrator Sally Holewa said the new NDcourts.gov will likely roll out in the next week."

Justice Jensen visits Woodrow Wilson High School

On Jan. 23, Justice Jon J. Jensen visited Woodrow Wilson High School in Fargo at the invitation of social studies teachers Elizabeth Hazeldine and Breanne Blomquist. Justice Jensen spoke about the North Dakota judicial system to classes of new Americans and high school students.

Order of Adoption

Amendments to the Rule on the Limited Practice of Law by Law Students

Order of Adoption

Prop. Amend. N.D.R. Civ.P, Crim.P., App.P., Evidence, R.Ct., Sup.Ct. Admin.R.

Order of Adoption

Petition to Permit Temporary Provision of Legal Services

2019 State of the Judiciary Address

The North Dakota Court System should be a well-balanced, dynamic and highly functioning system that is able to continuously improve and adjust to meet challenges in all economic conditions. We must operate to treat every individual, in every part of the state, with respect and to ensure that all of our cases move through the court system in a thoughtful and timely manner.

Order of Adoption

Proposed Amendments to the North Dakota Rules of Civil Procedure, Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rules of Appellate Procedure, Rules of Evidence, Rules of Court, and Supreme Court Administrative Rules

Order of Adoption

Proposed Amendments to the North Dakota Rules of Civil Procedure, Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rules of Appellate Procedure, Rules of Evidence, Rules of Court, and Supreme Court Administrative Rules

The Supreme Court at UND School of Law - The October 24-25, 2018 photos

During the Court's fall visit to the University of North Dakota School of Law, the schedule included oral arguments in four cases, classroom visits, judging the final internal moot court arguments, student lunch, breakfast sponsored by the Law Women's Caucus, visiting the Rural Practice Association, an informational session for students interested in applying for clerkships with the Court, and lunch with the Greater Grand Forks County Bar Association.

The Supreme Court in Devils Lake - The October 23, 2018 photos

The Supreme Court traveled to Devils Lake High School Oct. 23 to meet with students and hear a case. Justice Lisa Fair McEvers and Chief Justice Gerald VandeWalle teamed up to talk with students.

The Supreme Court in Hillsboro - The October 22, 2018 photos

The Supreme Court traveled to Hillsboro High School Oct. 22 to talk with students and hear a case. Students Jacob Pruneda, Seth Owens, Natassaja Eberhardt and Jake Moore guided the justices on a tour through the school.

Order of Adoption

Proposed Amendments to North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 13 Related to the Scope of Delegable Duties to Judicial Referees

Order of Adoption

Proposed Administrative Rule 60 Establishing An Interdisciplinary Committee on Specialized Dockets

Notice of Consultation

In the Matter of the Judicial Vacancy in District Judgeship No. 2, with Chambers in Fargo, North Dakota, East Central Judicial District

Notice of Comment

Proposed Amendments to the North Dakota Rules of Civil Procedure, Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rules of Appellate Procedure, Rules of Evidence, Rules of Court, and Supreme Court Administrative Rules

Chief Justice VandeWalle celebrates 85th birthday, 40 years on court

Chief Justice Gerald VandeWalle celebrated his 85th birthday and 40 years of service on the Supreme Court on Aug. 15. VandeWalle was appointed to the Court in 1978 by Governor Arthur Link to fill the unexpired term of Justice Robert Vogel, who resigned. He has served longer than any other North Dakota Supreme Court justice.

Notice of Comment

Proposed Amendments to North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 13 Regarding Judicial Referees - Scope of Delegable Duties

Notice of Comment

Proposed Administrative Rule 60 Establishing An Interdisciplinary Committee on Specialized Dockets

Order of Adoption

Amendments to North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 44 Regarding the Informal Complaint Panel

Indian Youth Leadership Academy students attend court

The North Dakota Indian Youth Leadership Academy is being held June 4-8 at United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck. As part of the academy, the students attended oral arguments with the Supreme Court. After the arguments the Court's justices met with the students, answering their questions about the case and explaining how the state's judicial system works.

Notice of Consultation

In the Matter of the Vacancy in Judgeship No. 2, with Chambers in Bismarck, North Dakota, South Central Judicial District

Retirement celebration for law librarian Smith to be held June 4

A retirement open house to honor retiring State Law Librarian Ted Smith will be held from 2-4 p.m. on June 4 in the State Law Library. Smith has served the court system as librarian for more than 25 years.

Notice of Comment

Proposed Amendments to N.D. Sup. Ct. Admin. R. 19 Regarding Court Records Management Program and N.D. Sup. Ct. Admin. R. 41 Regarding Access To Court Records

Order of Adoption

Proposed Amendments to North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 13 Regarding Judicial Referees - Scope of Delegable Duties

Order of Adoption

Proposed Adoption of a North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule Regarding Qualifications and Training Requirements of Guardians

Order of Adoption

Proposed Amendments to Rule 1.2 of the North Dakota Rules of Professional Conduct

Order of Adoption

Amendments to North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 2 Relating to Election and Duties of Presiding Judges; North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 7 Relating to Designation of Judgeships and Chambers With Assignments; and Repeal of North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Order 2 Relating to Identification of Presiding Judges

Notice of Consultation

In the Matter of the Judicial Vacancy in District Judgeship No. 4, with Chambers in Bismarck, North Dakota, South Central Judicial District

Notice of Comment

Proposed Amendments to North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 13 Regarding Judicial Referees - Scope of Delegable Duties

Second Amended Order of Adoption

Proposed Amendments to North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 12 Regarding Docket Currency Standards for District Courts

Order of Adoption

Proposed Adoption of a North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Order Regarding the Guardian Monitoring Program

Order of Adoption

Proposed Amendments to North Dakota Rule of Appellate Procedure 35.1

Order of Adoption

Proposed Amendments to the North Dakota Rules of Civil Procedure, North Dakota Rules of Criminal Procedure, North Dakota Rules of Appellate Procedure, North Dakota Rules of Juvenile Procedure and North Dakota Rules of Court

Notice of Comment

Proposed Adoption of a North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule Regarding Qualifications and Training Requirements of Guardians

Notice of Comment

Proposed Amendments to Rule 1.2 of the North Dakota Rules of Professional Conduct

Order of Adoption

Proposed Amendments to North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 37 Regarding the Committee on Tribal and State Court Affairs

Order of Adoption

Proposed Amendments to North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 35 Regarding the Juvenile Policy Board and Rule 17 of the North Dakota Rules of Juvenile Procedure Regarding Juvenile Court Lay Guardian Ad Litem

The Supreme Court at UND School of Law - The November 1-2, 2017 photos

The Court's annual visit to the University of North Dakota School of Law began with arguments in State v. Adams. Samuel Gereszek represented the appellant.

Order of Adoption

Proposed Amendments to N.D. Sup. Ct. Admin. R. 34 Regarding Advocates for Alleged Victims in Civil Protection Order Cases

The Supreme Court at Tower City - The October 5, 2017 photos

The Supreme Court traveled to Maple Valley High School in Tower City on Oct. 5 to meet with students and hear arguments.

Amended Order of Adoption

Proposed Amendments to North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 12 Regarding Docket Currency Standards for District Courts

Notice of Comment

In the Matter of a Petition to Terminate the Special Provision of Legal Services by Qualified Attorneys From Outside North Dakota

The Supreme Court at Steele - The September 14, 2017 photos

The Supreme Court visited the Kidder County Schools in Steele on Sept. 14 to visit students and hear a case.

Order of Adoption

Administrative Order 23 - Review of Conservatorships - Process

Order

In the Matter of Judicial Redistricting

Notice of Consultation

In the Matter of the Vacancy in Judgeship No. 9, with Chambers in Fargo, North Dakota, East Central Judicial District

Notice of Comment

Proposed Amendments to the North Dakota Rules of Civil Procedure, North Dakota Rules of Criminal Procedure, North Dakota Rules of Appellate Procedure, North Dakota Rules of Juvenile Procedure and North Dakota Rules of Court

Order of Adoption

Proposed Amendments to North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 13 Regarding Judicial Referees and 20 Regarding Magistrates and Authority to Preside Over Sexual Assault Restraining Order Proceedings

Notice of Consultation

In the Matter of the Vacancy in Judgeship No. 3, with Chambers in Grand Forks, North Dakota, Northeast Central Judicial District

Notice of Comment

In the Matter of Judicial Redistricting

Order of Adoption

Proposed Amendments to N.D. Sup. Ct. Admin. R. 41, Access to Court Records; N.D.R.Ct. 8.3, Case Management (Divorce Cases), Appendix E - Property and Debt Listing Form

Order of Adoption

Proposed Amendments to North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 58 Regarding Vexatious Litigants

Notice of Consultation

In the Matter of the Vacancy in Judgeship No. 6, with Chambers in Grafton, North Dakota, Northeast Judicial District

Order of Adoption

Proposed Amendments to North Dakota Rule of Appellate Procedure 35.1

Order of Adoption

Proposed Amendments to N.D.R.Crim.P. 15, 16 and 32; N.D.R.Juv.P. 4 and 12.1; N.D.R.Ct. 3.4, and N.D. Sup. Ct. Admin. R. 41

Notice of Comment

Proposed Amendments to N.D.R.Crim.P. 15, 16 and 32; N.D.R.Juv.P. 4 and 12.1; N.D.R.Ct. 3.4, and N.D. Sup. Ct. Admin. R. 41

Notice of Consultation

In the Matter of the Vacancy in Judgeship No. 1, with Chambers in Jamestown, North Dakota, Southeast Judicial District

Notice of Consultation

In the Matter of the Vacancy in Judgeship No. 2, with Chambers in Rugby, North Dakota, Northeast Judicial District

2017 State of the Judiciary Address

Although not delivered in its traditional format, that is more to my advantage than yours as I realize that the written page provides me greater opportunity to expound on my thoughts than does the traditional speech.

Order of Adoption

Proposed Amendments to the North Dakota Rules of Civil Procedure, North Dakota Rules of Criminal Procedure, North Dakota Rules of Juvenile Procedure, North Dakota Rules of Appellate Procedure, North Dakota Rules of Court, and North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rules

Notice of Comment

In the Matter of a Petition to Permit Temporary Provision of Legal Services by Qualified Attorneys From Outside North Dakota

Order of Adoption

Proposed Amendments to the North Dakota Rules of Civil Procedure, North Dakota Rules of Criminal Procedure, North Dakota Rules of Juvenile Procedure, North Dakota Rules of Appellate Procedure, North Dakota Rules of Court, and North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rules

Order of Adoption

Proposed Amendments to North Dakota Rules for Lawyer Discipline

Amended Notice of Hearing and Comment

Proposed Amendments to the North Dakota Rules of Civil Procedure, North Dakota Rules of Criminal Procedure, North Dakota Rules of Juvenile Procedure, North Dakota Rules of Appellate Procedure, North Dakota Rules of Court, and North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rules