County courthouses closed today

Courthouses in the following counties are closed Friday, July 5: Adams, Benson, Billings, Cavalier, Dickey, Divide, Dunn, Eddy, Emmons, Griggs, Golden Valley, LaMoure, Logan, McHenry, McKenzie, McLean, Ransom, Sargent, Stark, Steele, Traill, Walsh, Ward, and Wells.

N.D. Attorney General opinions: July 2

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem has issued an opinion that the Belcourt School District #7 did not violate the open meetings law when each board member individually filled out an evaluation of the superintendent’s job performance and an opinion that the Linton Industrial Development Corporation violated the law because it failed to provide proper public notice of its meeting.

Minn.: Ramsey County taps retriever to ease courthouse stress

MPR News: "The newest staffer at the Ramsey County Attorney's Office is a highly trained professional. But this staffer doesn't have a law degree — she wears a collar and a leash to work and gets around on four paws."

Job Announcement

A job announcement for an Assistant States Attorney with the Morton County States Attorney's office in Mandan has been posted.

2019 Annual Report on Departures from Mandatory Minimum Sentence

During the time period of July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019, there were no reported departures from mandatory minimum sentences.

Amendments to court records rule effective July 1

Amendments to N.D. Sup. Ct. Admin. R. 19 on the court records management program and to the case records retention schedule took effect July 1.

N.D. Attorney General opinion: July 1

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem has issued an opinion that the Beulah Public School did not violate the open meetings laws when three board members separately contacted the Superintendent with questions about an audit because the discussions did not involve a quorum.

U.S.: Roberts’ Supreme Court defies easy political labels

Associated Press: "Just hours after Chief Justice John Roberts handed Republicans a huge victory that protects even the most extreme partisan electoral districts from federal court challenge, critics blasted him as worthy of being impeached, a politician who should run for office and a traitor."

2018 crime statistics highlight increases

KFYR News: "North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem released the 2018 crime statistics that are compiled by law enforcement agencies across the state. Last year there were 5,455 drug related arrests, a 7 percent increase in the state."

N.D. Attorney General opinion: June 28

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem has issued an opinion that Section 3 of Senate Bill 2004, which requires the State Auditor to obtain approval from a legislative committee before conducting audits, likely violates the separation of powers doctrine and would be found unconstitutional by a court.