Remote proceedings by electronic means a useful tool

Since mid-March 2020, the Supreme Court has enacted eight administrative orders aimed at providing guidelines for court operations during the coronavirus pandemic. Most of these orders have language authorizing or recommending the use of reliable electronic means for court proceedings.

Chief Justice's statement on resumption of jury trials

On July 1, 2020, jury trials resumed within the North Dakota Judicial System. Providing a forum for litigants to resolve their disputes and ensuring criminal defendants have a jury of their peers are both essential functions of our system of justice.

N.D. Attorney General opinion: July 8

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem has issued an opinion that an executive session discussion between the Williston Public School District #1 and its attorney met the definition of attorney consultation, and was authorized by law.

Dakota Datebook: Suffrage Symbols

Prairie Public: "In 1914 in Fargo, the suffragists sold a common symbol, a 'dainty yellow rose' that made for 'attractive button-hole bouquets.'"

Job Announcement - Deputy Supreme Court Clerk

A job announcement for a Deputy Supreme Court Clerk with the Supreme Court in Bismarck has been posted.

Family law mediator applications now being accepted

Applications are now being accepted for mediators to mediate for the Family Mediation Program in the following judicial districts: East Central, Northwest, and South Central.

North Dakota courts face backloads, safety measure as jury trials resume

KFYR News: "Jury trials are back in session across North Dakota after the courts suspended them in March in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic."

Court returns to historic Stutsman County courthouse

News Dakota: "Stutsman County District court will return to where it all began in 1883 for North Dakota."

N.D. Attorney General opinion: July 7

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem has issued an opinion that the Williams County School District #8 and Williston School District #1 did not violate the open meetings laws because the discussions during special meetings were within the context of the posted agenda items.

Job Announcement - Legal Secretary

A job announcement for a Legal Secretary with the Burleigh County State’s Attorney’s office in Bismarck has been posted.

Judge Mattson holds first post-emergency jury trial

On July 1-2, North Central Judicial District Judge Douglas Mattson held the first jury in the state since the declaration of an emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Precautions in place as courts resume jury trials

Bismarck Tribune: "A number of changes are being implemented as courthouses in the South Central District eye a July 14 resumption of jury trials, and all are being done with the safety of the public and potential jurors in mind."

Wells County courthouse will close at 1pm today

The clerk’s office will be closing today at 1:00 pm.

2020 annual report on departures from mandatory minimum sentences

The state court administrator has issued the annual report on departures from mandatory minimum sentences for the period from July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.

Lyle Kirmis 1949-2020

Longtime Bismarck attorney Lyle W. Kirmis, 70, of Plymouth, Minn., died June 28. A University of Minnesota law graduate, he was admitted to the North Dakota bar in 1974. A Celebration of Life in Bismarck is being planned.

Job Announcement - Legal Secretary

A job announcement for a Legal Secretary with the Stutsman County State's Attorney's Office in Jamestown has been posted.

Job Announcement - Assistant State’s Attorney II

A job announcement for an Assistant State’s Attorney II with the Burleigh County State’s Attorney’s office in Bismarck has been posted.

New opinions: June 29

The Supreme Court has issued 21 new opinions.

Powell wins clerk of court excellence award

The North Dakota Clerk of Court Association is pleased to announce Tina Powell, McHenry County Clerk of Court, is the recipient of the 2020 Excellence Award.

Order of Adoption

Petition Regarding Richland County Treatment Court

Court statement on proposed N.D. Sup. Ct. Admin. Order 33 - Emergency Jury Selection Plan

On June 3, the Supreme Court issued a notice providing an opportunity for public comment on recommendations for a jury selection plan to be used upon resuming jury trials during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Job Announcement - Legal Secretary

A job announcement for a full-time Legal Secretary with Legal Services of North Dakota in Grand Forks has been posted.

2019 drug arrests down, homicides up, North Dakota report shows

Bismarck Tribune: "North Dakota drug arrests in 2019 were down for the first time in 10 years but homicides reached an all-time high, surpassing the previous record by four, Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem said Tuesday."