New opinions: July 23, 2026

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Interest of B.W. 2026 ND 153
Docket No.: 20260219
Filing Date: 7/23/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Juvenile - Termination of Parental Rights
Author: Bahr, Douglas Alan

Highlight: An appellant's brief must cite to the record to show an issue was preserved for review, or state the grounds for seeking review of an issue that was not preserved. Appellate rules must be complied with and treated respectfully.

A juvenile court acquires personal jurisdiction over a parent by service of the summons under N.D.R.Civ.P. 4 or the parent waiving service of the summons by written stipulation or by voluntary appearance at a hearing.

Rule 10(b)(1), N.D.R.Juv.P., allows a juvenile court to receive evidence in support of a termination petition, or reschedule the hearing, if a parent who has been properly served with a summons or notice fails to appear at a hearing. A parent who receives proper notice of a hearing need not also receive a formal summons before the court may proceed under the rule.

Under N.D.R.Juv.P. 10(b)(1), a juvenile court may enter default if a parent fails to attend a hearing, which includes status and scheduling conferences.

Interest of R.W. 2026 ND 153
Docket No.: 20260220
Filing Date: 7/23/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Juvenile - Termination of Parental Rights
Author: Bahr, Douglas Alan

State v. Engelking 2026 ND 152
Docket No.: 20250375
Filing Date: 7/23/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Theft
Author: McEvers, Lisa K. Fair

Highlight: In determining the amount of restitution, the district court must consider the "reasonable damages sustained by the victim . . . limited to those directly related to the criminal offense and expenses actually sustained as a direct result of the defendant's criminal action" under N.D.C.C. § 21.1-32-08(4). "Directly related" and "direct result" require "an immediate and intimate causal connection between the criminal conduct and the damages or expenses for which restitution is ordered."

A district court does not abuse its discretion by including investigative costs incurred by a business to uncover the extent, quantity, and remedy an employee's theft in a restitution award under N.D.C.C. § 12.1-32-08(4)

Expenses incurred by a business for employee's failure to withhold insurance premiums from employee's own paychecks is directly related to employee's criminal offense of theft from business and may be included in a restitution award under N.D.C.C. § 12.1-32-08(4).

Paola v. State 2026 ND 151
Docket No.: 20260042
Filing Date: 7/23/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Post-Conviction Relief
Author: McEvers, Lisa K. Fair

Highlight: Postconviction relief applicants alleging ineffective assistance of trial counsel in the context of plea bargains must show counsel's representation fell below an objective standard of reasonableness and the outcome of the plea process would have been different with competent advice.

Trial counsel advising a defendant to reject a plea offer and enter an open guilty plea is not ineffective merely because the defendant received a longer sentence than the one offered.

When a defendant raises an argument on appeal which was not presented to the district court, despite having the opportunity to do so, this Court will decline to consider the merits of that argument.

Childers v. Childers, et al. 2026 ND 150
Docket No.: 20250457
Filing Date: 7/23/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: McEvers, Lisa K. Fair

Highlight: When parties stipulate at an evidentiary hearing to present evidence on and address an issue after the hearing, a district court does not abuse its discretion by considering post-hearing evidentiary submissions on that issue.

If a child support obligor makes a voluntary change in employment resulting in a reduction of income, as defined by N.D. Admin. Code § 75-02-04.1-07(7), a district court has discretion to impute the obligor's income.

When a district court's reasons are fairly discernible by deduction or reason from the findings, and those reasons are supported by the law and the record, we will not upset an award of child support merely because findings could have been
more complete. When a district court finds that an obligor made a voluntary change in employment resulting in a reduction of income, the court is not required to make findings on the purpose for the change if we can discern the purpose from the court's findings.

Child support orders must include a statement of the obligor's net income used to determine the child support obligation and how net income was determined under N.D. Admin. Code § 75-02-04.1-07(7). As a matter of law, a district court
must clearly set forth how it arrived at the amount of income and level of child support. A district court does not err as a matter of law if the court's findings explicitly rely on stipulated third party's calculations, so long as those calculations clearly explain how the amount of income and level of child support were determined in accordance with the child support guidelines.

A modified child support obligation should generally take effect from the date of the motion to modify unless a district court has good reason to set a different date. A district court abuses its discretion by setting a later effective date without making findings explaining its decision.

Interest of K.B. 2026 ND 149
Docket No.: 20260063
Filing Date: 7/23/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Juvenile - Deprivation
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Highlight: An appeal from a juvenile court order finding children in need of protection and placing them in the care, custody, and control of a human service zone is affirmed.

The interpretation and application of the North Dakota Rules of Juvenile Procedure present a question of law, which is reviewed de novo.

After the initial summons has been served and the juvenile court's jurisdiction is established, N.D.R.Juv.P. 9(a)(3) permits the court to provide notice of the date and time of a continued proceeding either in writing or orally on the record, and a new summons is not required for each continued proceeding. Under N.D.R.Juv.P. 10(b), a court may proceed in a parent's absence and receive evidence in support of the petition when the parent, after being properly given notice of a hearing, fails to appear at the hearing.

A juvenile court's finding that continued custody of an Indian child by the parent is likely to result in serious emotional or physical damage is a finding of fact reviewed under the clearly erroneous standard, with appreciable weight given to the juvenile court's findings and due regard for its opportunity to assess the credibility of the witnesses.

Under N.D.C.C. § 27-19.1-01, qualified expert witness testimony is considered in context and as a whole. A qualified expert witness's clarification that the opinion—that returning the children would likely result in serious physical or emotional damage—is the opinion of the Indian child's tribe reached after being staffed, rather than the witness's opinion alone, may be understood to support rather than disavow the opinion; a finding of likely serious emotional or physical damage resting on that testimony, together with other evidence in the record, is not clearly erroneous.

Interest of G.B. 2026 ND 149
Docket No.: 20260064
Filing Date: 7/23/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Juvenile - Deprivation
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Interest of M.W. 2026 ND 149
Docket No.: 20260065
Filing Date: 7/23/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Juvenile - Deprivation
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

State v. Fox 2026 ND 148
Docket No.: 20250392
Filing Date: 7/23/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Sexual Offense
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Highlight: A district court's evidentiary decisions are reviewed for abuse of discretion; claimed violations of the constitutional right to confrontation are reviewed de novo.

The district court did not abuse its discretion by excluding evidence of a victim's alleged sexually explicit online relationship, where the court allowed crossexamination on whether the victim was disciplined and upset, and the explicit content added only marginal probative value to the motive theory.

Exclusion of the Rule 412 evidence did not violate the defendant's Sixth Amendment confrontation rights where the limitation was neither arbitrary nor
disproportionate—the court permitted the relevant cross-examination (discipline and anger) and the explicit sexual content was not necessary to elicit
the alleged motive to fabricate.

State v. Eastgate 2026 ND 147
Docket No.: 20250400
Filing Date: 7/23/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Misc. Felony
Author: Friese, Mark A.

Highlight: The right to counsel at a probation revocation proceeding provided by N.D.R.Crim.P. 32(f)(3)(A) requires a probationer to be represented unless the
right is waived by the probationer.

Waiver of the right to counsel must be voluntary and made knowingly and intelligently with sufficient findings to support the determination.

State v. Eastgate 2026 ND 147
Docket No.: 20250401
Filing Date: 7/23/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Theft
Author: Friese, Mark A.

State v. Eastgate 2026 ND 147
Docket No.: 20250402
Filing Date: 7/23/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Misc. Felony
Author: Friese, Mark A.

State v. Eastgate 2026 ND 147
Docket No.: 20250403
Filing Date: 7/23/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Misc. Felony
Author: Friese, Mark A.

State v. Eastgate 2026 ND 147
Docket No.: 20250404
Filing Date: 7/23/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Theft
Author: Friese, Mark A.

Wano Township, et al. v. North Dakota Public Service Comm'n, et al. 2026 ND 146
Docket No.: 20260059
Filing Date: 7/23/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Administrative - Public Service Commission
Author: Jensen, Jon J.

Highlight: Standing to challenge an administrative decision requires participation in the proceeding. The burden of establishing participation requires a showing of minimal involvement. This burden can be satisfied by raising an issue or advocating for an outcome during the administrative proceeding.

Intervention during an administrative proceeding is liberally granted. Intervention after an agency has issued a final decision is unusual and not often granted. The abuse of discretion standard applies to intervention decisions in administrative proceedings.

State v. Quam 2026 ND 145
Docket No.: 20260110
Filing Date: 7/23/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Sexual Offense
Author: Jensen, Jon J.

Highlight: Probable cause to issue a search warrant exists when the facts and circumstances would warrant a person of reasonable caution to believe the contraband or evidence sought will probably be found in the place to be searched.

The totality of the circumstances, which included defendant's admissions that he used the phrase "teen girl f**k" as an internet search query; that the search returned results depicting females he estimated to be 15 or 16 years old; that he could not recall whether those females were nude or engaged in sexual acts; that he used a TOR (the onion router) browser to hide his activity from his wife; and that he used his home's basement TV to view websites depicting females he estimated to be 15 or 16 years old, was sufficient to establish probable cause to issue a search warrant for the defendant's home.

Coupled with the admissions discussed above, the warrant application demonstrated a sufficient nexus between evidence of child sexual abuse material and the defendant's home reinforced by the affiant's training and experience that persons who possess such material almost always maintain it in the privacy and security of their home.

Certificate of Professional License (SFN 13610) — New Annual Filing Requirement

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Certificate of Professional License (SFN 13610) — New Annual Filing Requirement

A Certificate of Professional License (SFN 13610) is required by Secretary of State for some professional organization formation. For law firm organizations, the certificate is used to verify an attorney’s license to practice law. Pursuant to changes effective in 2026, the Certificate of Professional License must also now be filed on an annual basis with the Secretary of State's office.

To obtain a Certificate of Professional License, legal professional organizations must complete Sections 1 through 4 of SFN 13610, available at www.nd.gov/eforms/Doc/sfn13610.pdf. The completed form may be submitted by:

Email to barexaminers@ndcourts.gov; or
Mail to the State Board of Law Examiners at the address below. Applicants submitting by mail must include an email address, as the completed certificate will be returned electronically.

A $20 fee is required per organization. Payment must be made by check payable to the State Board of Law Examiners and mailed to the address below. Cash and credit card payments are not accepted.

State Board of Law Examiners

600 E. Boulevard Ave.

Bismarck, ND 58505-0530

Kirsten Anne Dauphinais 1971-2026

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Kirsten Anne Dauphinais, 54, of Grand Forks, ND, passed away surrounded by loved ones on July 18, 2026, after a long, hard-fought battle.

Kirsten was born on August 8, 1971, in Oswego, NY, to Frederick Dembowski and the late Anne Martens. She was raised with the love and support of her stepparents, Rhona Dembowski and M. Dwayne Herron. She is survived by her husband, David, with whom she shared 36 years of life and love, including 28 years of marriage; her beloved son, Jack, who brought her immense pride and joy; her sister, Erika Falle, brother-in-law, Zachary, and niece, Alexandria, who held a special place in Kirsten’s heart; her stepbrother, Greg; along with extended family, friends, colleagues, and the many students whose lives she touched.

Kirsten graduated from Shaker High School in Latham, NY, in 1990. She earned her B.A. in Political Science, magna cum laude, from Colgate University in 1993, where she was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and her J.D. from Columbia University School of Law in 1996. While at Columbia, she was the Bernstein Memorial Scholar and a member of the Columbia Journal of Law and Social Problems.

Following law school, Kirsten served as a law clerk to Judge Michael Farrell of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals before becoming an Attorney-Advisor for the United States Department of Commerce, specializing in ethics law. In 2001, she began her academic career as a Legal Writing Instructor at Howard University School of Law before joining the faculty of the University of North Dakota School of Law in 2005.

At UND, Kirsten devoted herself to humanizing legal education. She developed and directed the Lawyering Skills program, as well as Bar Passage and Academic Success. Her greatest impact, however, went far beyond programs and teaching. She created a culture where students felt seen, challenged, and encouraged.

Kirsten did not simply teach future lawyers; she helped shape the people they would become. She believed every person possessed unique gifts and untapped potential, and she had an extraordinary ability to recognize those gifts before others saw them in themselves.

A scholar of classical rhetoric, Kirsten taught students that persuasive advocacy depends on logos, ethos, and pathos: reason, character, and humanity. She challenged them to think critically, argue persuasively, and remember that the law is ultimately about people. She believed the best lawyers combined intellectual rigor with empathy, integrity, and sound judgment. Her scholarship reflected her broader philosophy that education was not merely about teaching skills but about forming people.

That same philosophy guided her work with the Greater Grand Forks Community Theatre, where she directed, encouraged, and inspired others. Kirsten believed that great lawyers and great actors shared a common purpose: understanding people, finding their voices, and connecting with others. She believed people could emerge from unexpected places and exceed the expectations placed upon them. Whether in the classroom or on the stage, she helped others find their voices, take risks, and become more than they thought they could be.

Beyond her work as a teacher, scholar, and mentor, Kirsten embraced life fully. She loved travel, great food, new experiences, and bringing people together. She approached the world with curiosity, humor, and enthusiasm, finding adventure wherever she went.

Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she transformed: the students who found confidence because she believed in them first, the colleagues she inspired, the friends she encouraged, and the people who discovered strengths they never knew they possessed because she recognized those strengths before they did.

The family extends its thanks to the teams at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Altru Hospital, Grand Forks Clinic, Aurora Dialysis, and HIA Hospice for their compassion and care. In lieu of flowers, donations in Kirsten's name may be made to the Greater Grand Forks Community Theatre at www.ggfct.com, where she found lasting joy in helping others discover their gifts.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 22, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Amundson Funeral Home in Grand Forks, ND. Memorial service will be held Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Amundson Funeral Home, with interment immediately following.

The full obituary may be viewed here: https://www.amundsonfuneralhome.com/obituaries/kirsten-dauphinais

Darrell E. Larson 1952-2026

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Darrell E. Larson, 74, of Honolulu, Hawaii, formerly of Grand Forks, North Dakota, passed away peacefully at his home on July 6, 2026, with his beloved wife, Kate, at his side.

Darrell was born on June 2, 1952, at Deaconess Hospital in Grand Forks to Joseph and Blanch (Knutson) Larson. He was baptized and confirmed at Sand Hill Lutheran Church and grew up on the family farm near Climax, Minnesota, where he developed the values that guided his life: hard work, generosity, faith, humility, and respect for others. A gifted athlete, he enjoyed basketball, football, baseball, and was an exceptional water skier. He graduated from Climax High School in 1970, attended the University of Minnesota and Moorhead State College, earned his bachelor's degree in 1974, his Juris Doctor from Gonzaga University in 1977, and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation from New York University in 1978.

That same year, Darrell joined the Grand Forks law firm of Camrud, Maddock, Olson & Larson, Ltd., where he spent more than forty years as a respected tax attorney and partner. Known for his professionalism, integrity, and tireless work ethic, he became a trusted advisor to generations of clients in tax law, estate planning, business law, and trusts. He also helped lead the firm through the challenges of rebuilding after the devastating Red River flood and fire of 1997.

In 2013, Darrell met the love of his life, Kate Joh Claycombe. They were married on March 7, 2015, and shared a life filled with love, adventure, laughter, and unwavering devotion.

Darrell believed that success carried with it a responsibility to serve others. He devoted countless hours to organizations that strengthened the Grand Forks community, including the North Dakota Museum of Art, where he served as Chair of the Board of Trustees and Vice Chair of the Museum of Art Foundation. He also served for more than a decade on the Board of Directors of Altru Health System, ultimately becoming Board Chair and serving for many years as general counsel. His community leadership included service as Chair of the Grand Forks Area Chamber of Commerce and as a founding member of the Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks & Region.

Outside of his profession, Darrell embraced life with enthusiasm. He taught himself to play guitar as a young teenager and remained an accomplished musician throughout his life. He loved to travel, enjoyed golf, and proudly participated four times in Ireland's West Coast Challenge on some of the world's most demanding links courses.

Darrell will be remembered for his wisdom, kindness, generosity, unwavering integrity, and genuine interest in others. His legacy lives on through the family, friends, colleagues, clients, and community organizations whose lives he touched.

Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Blanch Larson, his brother, Jerry Larson, and sister-in law Carole Larson and survived by wife, Kate Larson; his sister, Dianne (Paul) Brokke, sister-in laws, Sungyee Joh and Youngyee J. Waddell (John), and by many cousins, nieces, nephews, cherished friends, and colleagues whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

A Celebration of Darrell’s Life will be held between 1:00 pm to 4:00 PM on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the North Dakota Museum of Art.

Read the full obituary here: https://www.grandforksherald.com/obituaries/obits/darrell-larson-gv6y5xcrhao7m2rbmtxt

Uniform Law Commission Approves Four Acts at 135th Annual Meeting

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The Uniform Law Commission (ULC) held its 135th Annual Meeting in Chicago, Illinois, July 10–16, 2026. At the meeting, the Commission gave final approval to four new uniform acts:

Uniform Conflict of Laws in Trusts and Estates Act
Uniform Occupational Licenses of Servicemembers and Military Spouses Act
Uniform State Indian Child Welfare Act
Uniform Transfers to Minors Act

North Dakota's delegation was led by Chair Justice Jerod Tufte and Vice Chair Parrell Grossman. Other North Dakota commissioners attending were Larry Klemin, Gail Hagerty, Dustin Richard, Bradley Myers, Candace Zierdt, and Jake Rodenbiker.

North Dakota commissioners took leading roles in the Commission's work. Justice Tufte and Jake Rodenbiker each presided over general sessions as chair of the Committee of the Whole, guiding the full Commission through debate and amendment of draft acts on the floor. Candace Zierdt served as chair of the drafting committee for the Uniform Commercial Financing Disclosure Act, which received an interim reading at this year's meeting.

North Dakota commissioners also contributed to several of the acts before the Commission as members of their drafting committees. Larry Klemin served on the drafting committee for the Uniform Occupational Licenses of Servicemembers and Military Spouses Act, and Gail Hagerty and Candace Zierdt served on the drafting committee for the Uniform State Indian Child Welfare Act — both acts that received final approval this year. Dustin Richard served on the drafting committee for the Deed Fraud Act, which had its first reading at the meeting.

North Dakota consistently ranks among the leading states in adopting uniform and model acts, and its commissioners contribute to the drafting and refinement of legislation considered across the country.

North Dakota attendees at the ULC meeting in Chicago included, from left to right, Justice Jerod E. Tufte, Bradley Myers, Parrell Grossman, Jake Rodenbiker, Judge Gail Haggerty (Ret), Rep. Lawrence Klemin, Candace Zierdt, and Dustin Richard.

North Dakota Supreme Court Justice Jerod E. Tufte presides over a general session of the Commission.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake Rodenbiker presides over a general session of the Commission.

(L to R) Judge Gail Hagerty (Ret) and Candace Zierdt review materials.

Dustin Richard, second from left, participates in a committee meeting.

Judicial Branch audit for biennium completed

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The Office of the State Auditor has issued an Audit Report for the biennium ended June 30, 2025 for the Judicial Branch of the State of North Dakota. The report includes the following summary: "This audit did not identify any areas of concern." In the introduction to the audit report, North Dakota State Auditor Josh C. Gallion noted, "We wish to express our appreciation to the Judicial Branch staff for the courtesy, cooperation, and assistance they provided to us during this audit."

The audit may be read here: Download

The Judicial Branch financial and accounting team is led by State Court Administrator Sally Holewa, Director of Finance Donald Wolf, and Accounting Supervisor Dion Ulrich.

New opinions: July 9, 2026

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 09:00:00 GMT

State v. Chamberlain 2026 ND 135
Docket No.: 20260008
Filing Date: 7/9/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Attempted Murder
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A district court's criminal judgments are summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(3).

State v. Chamberlain 2026 ND 135
Docket No.: 20260009
Filing Date: 7/9/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Terrorizing
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A district court's criminal judgments are summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(3).

Reierson v. Reierson 2026 ND 142
Docket No.: 20250415
Filing Date: 7/9/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Divorce
Author: Jensen, Jon J.

Highlight: A final contempt order must be appealed within sixty days. Incorporating a final contempt order into a subsequent judgment does not restart the time to appeal.

An appeal waiver not incorporated into a judgment is still enforceable as a contract between the parties but is narrowly construed. Under contract
principles, the parties did not waive the right to appeal the issues that were carved out for judicial determination, but only the issues the parties had resolved by stipulation.

The district court did not abuse its discretion by awarding a limited amount of attorney's fees under N.D.C.C. § 14-09-06.5 where the fees requested spanned multiple litigation issues and the requesting party failed to segregate the fee request between the issue relevant to the award of attorney's fees and all of the other issues.

State v. Kanneh 2026 ND 137
Docket No.: 20250427
Filing Date: 7/9/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Sexual Offense
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A criminal judgment entered after a jury convicted the defendant of continuous sexual abuse of a child is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(7).

State v. Warner 2026 ND 133
Docket No.: 20260036
Filing Date: 7/9/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Terrorizing
Author: McEvers, Lisa K. Fair

Highlight: An appellant's failure to file transcripts of evidentiary hearings may preclude appellate review of an issue.

A defendant consents to warrantless searches of property in his control by accepting a condition of probation allowing such searches.

A district court does not abuse its discretion in revoking probation when the court relies on its findings that defendant violated conditions of defendant's probation.

Egan v. Metropolitan Life Ins. Co., et al. 2026 ND 140
Docket No.: 20250391
Filing Date: 7/9/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Personal Injury
Author: Jensen, Jon J.

Highlight: Registering to do business in North Dakota, by itself, is not sufficient contact for jurisdiction to attach to a foreign corporation.

Failure to assert an affirmative defense in a lawsuit dismissed without prejudice does not bar the defense in a subsequent case.

Negotiating dismissal of a lawsuit does not constitute the purposeful availment due process requires for personal jurisdiction over a nonresident.

Rustan v. Ball, et al. 2026 ND 143
Docket No.: 20260017
Filing Date: 7/9/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Parenting Responsibility
Author: Jensen, Jon J.

Highlight: Parenting time determinations are findings of fact reviewed under the clearly erroneous standard of review. When restrictions on parenting time are imposed, the district court must articulate findings supporting the limitations, but the limitations need not follow a rigid verbal formula as long as they are fairly discernible by deduction or inference.

Stepped parenting time advancement provisions cannot be delegated to nonjudicial actors without defined standards or a mechanism for judicial review.

Warner v. State 2026 ND 138
Docket No.: 20260041
Filing Date: 7/9/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Post-Conviction Relief
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A judgment denying a postconviction relief application is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2) and (4).

Hanson v. Dabbert Custom Homes, et al. 2026 ND 139
Docket No.: 20260023
Filing Date: 7/9/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Contracts
Author: Jensen, Jon J.

Highlight: A defendant's filing of a third-party complaint, standing alone, does not result in the forfeiture of a statute of limitations defense.

The accrual of a cause of action under the discovery rule does not require a party to have full knowledge of the extent of an injury, but rather knowledge of facts sufficient to put a person of ordinary intelligence on enough inquiry to trigger the responsibility to promptly investigate.

A homeowner had inquiry notice of a potential construction defect claim involving insulation where he noticed persistent cold conditions in a specific area of the home as well as frost buildup and significant temperature differentials within one year of purchasing the home.

Once a cause of action has accrued, a contractor's subsequent repair and remediation activity does not retroactively alter the accrual date, but rather becomes the subject of equitable estoppel.

In construction defect cases, a contractor’s good faith repair activity, standing alone, does not constitute conduct calculated to induce the homeowner to forbear from filing suit; the contractor can still invoke the statute of limitations against an equitable estoppel claim absent evidence the contractor made a promise to repair in exchange for a promise not to sue.

L.G.L., et al. v. County of Cass, et al. 2026 ND 136
Docket No.: 20250343
Filing Date: 7/9/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Malpractice
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Highlight: A dismissal without prejudice has no res judicata effect because there has been no decision on the merits; a federal judgment dismissing a state-law claim without prejudice under N.D.C.C. § 28-01-46 and resolving only the federal constitutional claims does not preclude a later state-court action on the negligence and wrongful-death claims.

The disability extender in N.D.C.C. § 28-01-25 applies by its terms to any action other than the three it excepts and reaches wrongful-death actions under
N.D.C.C. § 28-01-18(4); the absence of a cross-reference to § 28-01-25 in subsection 4 does not, by negative implication, withdraw wrongful-death claims
from the extender's reach.

A wrongful-death claim accrues at the time of death under N.D.C.C. § 28-01- 18(4); the objective-discovery standard of BASF Corp. v. Symington fixes the date of accrual but does not cut off the § 28-01-25 disability extension, which the Legislature limited by time rather than knowledge. BASF Corp. v. Symington, 512 N.W.2d 692, 696 (N.D. 1994).

Magana v. State 2026 ND 141
Docket No.: 20260046
Filing Date: 7/9/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Post-Conviction Relief
Author: Jensen, Jon J.

Highlight: An applicant seeking to withdraw a guilty plea based on ineffective assistance of counsel must satisfy a two-part test. The second prong of the test requires a showing of prejudice. The applicant must convince the district court that a decision to reject the plea bargain would have been rational under the circumstances. An applicant's subjective self-serving statement that he would have insisted on going to trial absent deficient representation is not sufficient to establish prejudice.

Cowan v. Slann, et al. 2026 ND 131
Docket No.: 20250367
Filing Date: 7/9/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Malpractice
Author: McEvers, Lisa K. Fair

Highlight: In non-divorce cases, a party's voluntary acceptance of the full amount of a judgment, without reserving any issues for appeal, waives that party's right to appeal from the judgment.

White Star Royalty Co., et al. v. McGahey Oil, et al. 2026 ND 132
Docket No.: 20260050
Filing Date: 7/9/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Oil, Gas and Minerals
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: An amended judgment in a quiet title action is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(1), (6), and (8). A pre-filing order designating a vexatious litigant is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(4) and (7). An appellant is ordered to pay the appellees' costs and attorney's fees under N.D.R.App.P. 38.

Foley v. State 2026 ND 134
Docket No.: 20260071
Filing Date: 7/9/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Post-Conviction Relief
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A district court judgment denying an application for postconviction relief is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2) and (4).

Januszewski v. WSI 2026 ND 144
Docket No.: 20260175
Filing Date: 7/9/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Administrative - Workers Compensation
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A district court judgment affirming an administrative law judge's order upholding a North Dakota Workforce Safety and Insurance decision denying a claim for workers' compensation benefits is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(5).

Vacancy in Judgeship No. 5, North Central Judicial District

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 09:00:00 GMT

An order regarding the vacancy in North Central Judicial District Judgeship No. 5, with chambers in Minot, is posted on the public portal here: https://portal.ctrack.ndcourts.gov/portal/court/68f021c4-6a44-4735-9a76-5360b2e8af13/case/eedfa480-5990-4859-8d12-2e521a309b8d

This notice is provided under N.D.R.Proc.R. § 7.

Notices of Comment

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 05:05:00 GMT

Notice(s) of Comment have been issued by the Supreme Court in the following matters:

20260231 – Amend. to North Dakota Rule of Civil Procedure 4 Regarding Persons Subject to Jurisdiction: Process; and Service

20260235 - Amend. to North Dakota Rules of Appellate Procedure 4 Regarding Appeals and When Taken and 28 Regarding Briefs

20260236 - Amend. to North Dakota Rule of Court 8.2 Regarding Interim Orders in Domestic Relations Cases

20260238 - Amend. to North Dakota Rules of Appellate Procedure 21 Regarding Writs and 30 Regarding References to the Record

20250325, 20260234 - Amend. to North Dakota Rule of Court 8.8, Appendix F Regarding Alternative Dispute Resolution

This notice is provided under N.D.R.Proc.R. § 7.

Annual Report on Departures from Mandatory Minimum Sentence

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 05:00:00 GMT

North Dakota Century Code 12.1-32-02.3(3) requires the State Court Administrator to prepare an annual report on departures from mandatory minimum sentences for violations of chapter 19-03.1 and to make the report available on the world wide web.

During the time period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, a departure from a mandatory minimum sentence was ordered in the following cases:

31-2025-CR-264 St. vs. Hailey Dreese

45-2025-CR-869, St. vs. Jeffrey Reynolds

Report prepared On July 1, 2026 by Sally A. Holewa, State Court Administrator

Judge William F. Hodny 1932 - 2026

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Former District Judge and Supreme Court Surrogate Judge William F. Hodny died June 30, 2026. A visitation will be held July 8, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. followed by a service at 11:00 a.m. at DaWise-Perry Funeral Home in Mandan, North Dakota. A burial will occur at the Veterens Cemetery in Mandan at 1:00 p.m.

Honorable William F. Hodny, 93, Mandan, passed away Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his family. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday July 8, 2026, at DaWise-Perry Mandan Crematory. Friends and family will gather one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.

Bill was born, December 3, 1932 in a farmhouse in rural Walsh County. He attended grade school in a one-room country school and in Grafton and Fargo. After three years of high school in Fargo and Lankin, ND, Bill in 1950 enlisted in the United State Air Force at age 17. He spent 2 ½ years in England. Following the Korean Armistice, he was discharged in South Carolina on a Thursday in September of 1953. A quick drive to North Dakota allowed enrollment at UND the following Monday. Seven years at UND yielded a Ph.D. and a Juris Doctor in law

In 1960 Bill came to Mandan and entered a practice of law. In 1967 he was elected Morton County judge. In 1974 he was elected District judge where he remained until retiring 32 years later in 1998. He was then appointed a surrogate judge by the ND Supreme Court and continued in that position until his final retirement in 2016.

His best days were spent training and competing with his English Pointer bird dogs, where he had one field trial champion. He also loved training and riding his Tennessee Walking horses. He had one field trial champion.

Bill married Doris Monson in 1956. They had three children. Doris died in 2007 and, in December of 2010, he married JoAnn Jacobson.

It’s been said that a lucky man is deserving of one good woman, one good dog, and one good horse. Bill admitted he had more than one dog, more than one good horse, and two great women.

Bill is survived by his wife JoAnn; one daughter Tara Lacher Mandan; two sons and two daughters-in-law, Jay and Angie (Hoseth) Hodny, Newark, Delaware, and Lee and Emily Hodny Bismarck, ND; one sister-in-law Jackie Monson Valley City; five grandchildren Caeden Hodny, Laura and Olivia Lacher, Taylor and Dakota Cooper, Kristyn and Drew Schrum; one great grandson Greyson Cooper. Bill is further survived by JoAnn’s children AriAnna Oswald, Timothy and Katie Oswald, and six grandchildren, Austin Wingenbach, Kelsey Wingenbach, Molly Wingenbach, Abbey Wingenbach, Rhett Oswald, and Entzi Oswald.

Read the full obituary here: https://dawiseperry.com/obituaries/william-hodny?utm_source=search&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=standard&cta=fh-website

New opinions: June 25, 2026

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Interest of A.S.H. 2026 ND 123
Docket No.: 20260171
Filing Date: 6/25/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Juvenile - Termination of Parental Rights
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A juvenile court's denial of a motion to vacate an order finding Appellant in default is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(4).

Interest of A.T.E. 2026 ND 123
Docket No.: 20260172
Filing Date: 6/25/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Juvenile - Termination of Parental Rights
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A juvenile court's denial of a motion to vacate an order finding Appellant in default is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(4).

Interest of A.L. 2026 ND 123
Docket No.: 20260173
Filing Date: 6/25/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Juvenile - Termination of Parental Rights
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A juvenile court's denial of a motion to vacate an order finding Appellant in default is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(4).

Interest of A.L. 2026 ND 123
Docket No.: 20260174
Filing Date: 6/25/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Juvenile - Termination of Parental Rights
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A juvenile court's denial of a motion to vacate an order finding Appellant in default is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(4).

State v. Smith Redman 2026 ND 121
Docket No.: 20260032
Filing Date: 6/25/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Terrorizing
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A criminal judgment is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(4).

Bjerke, et al. v. North Dakota Legislative Assembly, et al. 2026 ND 118
Docket No.: 20260027
Filing Date: 6/25/2026
Case Type: Original Proceeding - Civil - Writ of Injunction
Author: McEvers, Lisa K. Fair

Highlight: Under N.D. Const. art. VI, § 2, the supreme court has authority to exercise original jurisdiction to issue, hear, and determine such original and remedial writs as may be necessary to properly exercise its jurisdiction. This authority is discretionary and cannot be invoked as a matter of right.

The supreme court will determine for itself, on an ad hoc basis, whether a particular case is within its discretionary original jurisdiction and invokes its original jurisdiction only in cases publici juris and those affecting the sovereignty of the state, its franchises and prerogatives, or the liberties of its people.

Courts adjudicate only actual controversies. An issue is not justiciable if it is moot or not ripe for review, a party lacks standing, or resolving it would be advisory.

Constitutional provisions are interpreted according to the same principles of statutory construction.

In adopting Senate Concurrent Resolution 4008, the Legislative Assembly violated N.D. Const. art. XV, § 4, which limits its general authority to propose a constitutional amendment under N.D. Const. art. IV, § 16, to alter or repeal the term limitations established in N.D. Const. art. XV, § 1.

Hovey v. NDDOT 2026 ND 122
Docket No.: 20260082
Filing Date: 6/25/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Administrative - Department of Transportation
Author: Friese, Mark A.

Highlight: The approved method for alcohol chemical testing requires a 20-minute wait after an invalidated test prior to a second test. The alcohol chemical testing process begins when the first step, the diagnostic test, is administered.

The hearing officer did not err in admitting the test record when the report timestamps and deputy's testimony both supported the determination the test was fairly administered.

Friesz v. State 2026 ND 124
Docket No.: 20260095
Filing Date: 6/25/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Post-Conviction Relief
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A district court's judgment dismissing an application for postconviction relief on summary disposition is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(6).

Danduran v. Eddy Cty. Zoning Bd., et al. 2026 ND 125
Docket No.: 20260048
Filing Date: 6/25/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Administrative - Zoning
Author: Bahr, Douglas Alan

Highlight: The statutory appeal procedures in N.D.C.C. §§ 11-33-12 and 28-34-01 provide the exclusive means of judicial review for challenges to county zoning decisions. A party may not circumvent those procedures by bringing a separate action for declaratory or injunctive relief alleging procedural defects, public-comment violations, or conflicts of interest when those claims ultimately challenge the validity of the zoning decision itself.

Clooten v. Clooten, et al. 2026 ND 126
Docket No.: 20260025
Filing Date: 6/25/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Divorce - Property
Author: Bahr, Douglas Alan

Highlight: A district court has broad discretion in making contempt decisions, and this Court reverses a contempt finding only for an abuse of discretion. Contempt includes the willful and inexcusable intent to disobey a court order.

After a finding of contempt, the choice of remedial sanctions rests within the district court's discretion. A compensable loss cannot rest on speculation, but it need not reach mathematical precision, and a sanction stands when it has a factual basis and falls within the range of the evidence.

Only an order finally determining the parties' rights qualifies as appealable. An order leaving a motion pending for further proceedings is not an appealable order.

McDermott v. State 2026 ND 127
Docket No.: 20260039
Filing Date: 6/25/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Post-Conviction Relief
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A district court's order and judgment denying an application for postconviction relief is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2).

State v. Boynton 2026 ND 120
Docket No.: 20260010
Filing Date: 6/25/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Hindering Law Enforcement
Author: Friese, Mark A.

Highlight: A district court must ascertain a factual basis under N.D.R.Crim.P. 11(b)(3) prior to accepting a guilty plea. The factual basis must provide facts to support all elements of the charged offense.

A district court's failure to ascertain a factual basis as required by N.D.R.Crim.P. 11(b)(3) constitutes an obvious error under N.D.R.Crim.P. 52(b).

Sanchez v. State 2026 ND 128
Docket No.: 20260022
Filing Date: 6/25/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Post-Conviction Relief
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: The denial of an application for postconviction relief is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2).

State v. Rangeloff 2026 ND 117
Docket No.: 20250453
Filing Date: 6/25/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Child Abuse/Child Neglect
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A criminal judgment for child neglect is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(3).

Moos v. WSI 2026 ND 119
Docket No.: 20250437
Filing Date: 6/25/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Administrative - Workers Compensation
Author: McEvers, Lisa K. Fair

Highlight: Section 65-01-09, N.D.C.C., authorizes subrogation interests to Workforce Safety and Insurance when an injured employee recovers damages from a third party. In administrative workers' compensation proceedings, N.D.C.C. § 65-01-09 replaces the equitable doctrine of judicial estoppel.

Section 28-32-44(3), N.D.C.C., allows a district court to waive record preparation and filing costs for an appellant upon submission of an application showing the appellant is a "low-income person." A district court does not abuse its discretion in ordering an appellant to pay record costs when an appellant fails to submit a complete application for waiver of costs.

Associated General Contractors of North Dakota, et al. v. City of West Fargo 2026 ND 129
Docket No.: 20250434
Filing Date: 6/25/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Other
Author: Jensen, Jon J.

Highlight: A case is moot when the occurrence of an event or the lapse of time has made it so there is no actual controversy and no effective relief a court to provide. Courts will determine a moot issue rather than dismiss an appeal if the controversy is one of great public interest. The public interest exception to mootness may apply when a claim involves a law facilitating scrupulous handling of government affairs. The public interest exception does not extend to issues that are particular to a specific locality. A dispute, although local, may affect the public interest when it implicates the scope of authority of public officials across the state.

The Uniform Declaratory Judgment Act, N.D.C.C. ch. 32-23, authorizes courts to declare rights, status, and other legal relations whether or not further relief is or could be claimed. The Act was adopted with the intent of providing a means for litigants to have controversies determined by a court in advance of any invasion of rights or breach of obligation. The declaratory judgment statutes do not displace ordinary jurisdictional requirements. Future action contemplated by a municipality, although not yet taken, may constitute a threat of injury providing standing to seek declaratory relief.

State v. Pope 2026 ND 116
Docket No.: 20250416
Filing Date: 6/25/2026
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Terrorizing
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Highlight: The factual assertions in an affidavit of probable cause filed in a joined case whose charges were dismissed with prejudice are not an impermissible sentencing factor.

A sentencing court is allowed the widest possible range of information and may consider unproven and even inadmissible evidence, the evidence of record, and the reasonable inferences that evidence supports. State v. Wells, 265 N.W.2d 239, 242-43 (N.D. 1978); State v. Hamilton, 2023 ND 233, ¶ 11, 999 N.W.2d 214; N.D.R.Ev. 1101(d)(3)(D)-(E).

Although a pending criminal charge is an impermissible sentencing factor because relying on it penalizes the defendant for exercising the constitutional right to trial, dismissal with prejudice removes that concern because the charge will never be tried. State v. Hoverson, 2006 ND 49, ¶¶ 35, 37, 710 N.W.2d 890.

Governor Kelly Armstrong declares Legal Assistant/Paralegal Day

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Governor Kelly Armstrong declared Thursday, June 25, 2026, Legal Assistant/Paralegal Day. Governor Armstrong presented the proclamation to members of the Western Dakota Association of Legal Assistants. To view the proclamation, click here Legal Assistant & Paralegal Day - 2026.pdf

Pictured, from L to R: Deyan Junker; Trisha Kinnischtzke; Megan Klym; Anna Jellesed; Governor Kelly Armstrong; Melissa Hamilton, ACP; Melissa Klimpel, ACP; Ashley Miller, ACP; Erica Norris

Pictured above, L to R: Deyan Junker; Trisha Kinnischtzke; Megan Klym; Anna Jellesed; Attorney General Drew Wrigley; Melissa Hamilton, ACP; Melissa Klimpel, ACP; Ashley Miller, ACP; Erica Norris

Chief Justice McEvers provides keynote address at Boys State

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Chief Justice Lisa Fair McEvers recently provided the keynote address at Boys State and swore in newly elected Cayle Corey and the other elected officials at Boys State. Corey is the son of attorney Amanda Corey of Grand Forks. Earlier in the day, Chief Justice McEvers also served on a panel discussion at Girls State.

North Dakota Boys State and Girls State are leadership and civics programs sponsored by the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary that give high school juniors a hands-on look at government. Rather than simply learning about civics in the classroom, participants experience it firsthand by running for office, holding elections, writing laws, and serving in simulated city, county, and state government while developing leadership and citizenship skills.

Above, Chief Justice Fair McEvers swears in Cayle Corey as attendees look on at Boys State.

Chief Justice Fair McEvers, second from the right, takes part in the panel discussion at Girls State.

Orders of Adoption

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Orders of Adoption have been issued by the Supreme Court in the following matters:

1. 20260070 – Amendments to North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rules; North Dakota Rule of Criminal Procedure; and North Dakota Rules of Civil Procedure; and Adoption of a New North Dakota Rule of Court to Implement N.D.C.C. § 40-18.1 Regarding Municipal Courts

2. 20250147 – Amendments to North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Orders; North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rules; North Dakota Rules of Court; North Dakota Rules of Juvenile Procedure; North Dakota Rules for Lawyer Discipline; Rule on Procedural Rules, Administrative Rules and Administrative Orders of the North Dakota Supreme Court; and North Dakota Administrative Policies

3. 20250334 - Amendments to North Dakota Rule of Juvenile Procedure 17 Regarding Juvenile Court Lay Guardians Ad Litem

4. 20260119 - Amendments to North Dakota Rules of Appellate Procedure 3 Regarding Appeal as of Right - How Taken, 12 Regarding Docketing the Appeal, 29 Regarding Briefs of An Amicus Curiae, 35 Regarding Scope of Review, and 40 Regarding Petition for Rehearing

5. 20250243 - Amendments to North Dakota Rules for Lawyer Discipline 6.4 and 6.5, Rules of the Judicial Conduct Commission 7, North Dakota Rules of Court 8.9, Admission to Practice Rule 16, North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 49 Regarding Immunity Provisions

This notice is provided under N.D.R.Proc.R. § 7.

Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC Educator Experience visits Court

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC Educator Experience program visited the Court on June 16, 2026.

The Educator Experience is a four-day program that places local middle and high school educators in experiential learning sessions with area employers. The goal is to expose teachers to the career opportunities available in the Bismarck-Mandan region so they can bring that knowledge back to their students.

As part of our "Introduction to Civic Leadership" day, educators had the opportunity to learn firsthand from Justice Douglas Bahr about the role of the judicial branch in state government and the importance of an independent court system. Participants gained valuable insight into how cases move through the courts, the responsibilities of the North Dakota Supreme Court, and the impact judicial decisions have on communities across our state.

The visit provided a unique behind-the-scenes look at the courtroom and encouraged meaningful discussion about civic engagement, government processes, and the real-world connections educators can bring back to their classrooms. Experiences like this help bridge the gap between education and community leadership while giving teachers a deeper understanding of the institutions that shape North Dakota.

Above, teachers from the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC Educator Experience program take a photo in the Supreme Court courtroom with Justice Douglas Bahr (fourth from the right).

Justice Bahr discusses the relationship between the courts and the legislature in North Dakota.

Notices of Comment

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Notice(s) of Comment have been issued by the Supreme Court in the following matters:

20260204 – Amendments to North Dakota Rule of Court 3.1 Regarding Pleadings

20260205 – Amendments to North Dakota Rule of Court 11.2 Regarding Withdrawal of Attorneys

This notice is provided under N.D.R.Proc.R. § 7.

Supreme Court accepting applications for Rural Attorney Recruitment Program

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 05:00:00 GMT

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

The Rural Attorney Recruitment Program was established by the legislature in 2021 (NDCC 27-02.2) with the goal of increasing the number of attorneys residing and working in rural North Dakota. Under the program, the state of North Dakota, the State Bar Association of North Dakota, and the participating community each contribute funds to retain an attorney in an eligible community for a 5-year period. To be eligible for the program, a county must have five or fewer attorneys; or a municipality with a population of 5,000 or fewer.

Requirements for the application are found in section 2 of Administrative Rule 62.

The deadline for counties and municipalities to apply is 5 p.m. central time on July 1, 2026.

Applications should be sent to:

Office of the State Court Administrator

ATTN Rural Attorney Recruitment Program

600 E. Boulevard, Mailstop 180

Bismarck ND 58505-0530

Attorneys who are interested in the program may submit an application at any time by completing the electronic application form found on the Court’s website (apply here).

Link to Rural Attorney Recruitment Program information page.

Questions can be sent to Kelly Hutton, deputy state court administrator, at khutton@ndcourts.gov.

Richard B. Crockett 1944-2026

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Richard B. (Dick) Crockett approached all facets of his life with curiosity, creativity, and commitment. Born August 5 1944, he died May 9, 2026, in Edina, MN. Dick was the epitome of a well-rounded individual and—first and always—was devoted to family. He married Susan (Suzie) Anderson in 1966, and their 59+ year partnership took them to a variety of places around the country. In each they furthered themselves professionally and personally, while never losing focus on their shared goals and values. Most importantly they raised two sons, Eric and Seth, and took great pleasure watching them pursue their own goals, marry and raise their own families. Nothing gave Dick more pleasure than a pontoon ride with his family on board, helping his six grandchildren to build skills in water sports. Staying open to new ways of building family memories, the Crockett family of 12 journeyed to places in the US, Europe, South America, and Africa.

Educational pursuits took Dick to the University of North Dakota and to Stanford Law School. His professional career was as multidimensional as he was. From founding Crockett and Anderson law firm in Fargo with his good friend Dick Anderson, to being President of the National Association of University Attorneys while working in university law at North Dakota State University and in Syracuse, N.Y., to the position of Executive Director of the Edina (MN) Community Foundation, Dick led with expertise, efficiency, and friendliness.

Dick was a connector. He deeply valued his many friendships and was a master at maintaining relationships. He enjoyed introducing old friends to new friends and to getting people together. His friends spanned his lifetime, and his interest in people never waned. He felt lucky to have grown up in Langdon, N.D., and proudly kept that link to smalltown heritage and agricultural roots.

Dick was a passionate collector of art—woodcuts, pottery, and sculpture—along with antique toys and books, so many books, tallied by his family at over 3000. He even collected Davy Crockett memorabilia.

In 2021 Dick wrote a book for his extended family titled, Parallel Lives. The book is part genealogy and part philosophy, highlighting similar ideals and experiences that spanned generations in both his and Suzie’s families. Dick ended the book with three overarching thoughts: “Seek opportunity through change”; “Serve your community”; “Love and stay close to your family.”

Dick is survived by his wife Suzie, sons Eric (Amy) and Seth (Alyssa); grandchildren Catherine, Nicklas, Emma, Leif, Lily and Fritz; his brother, Doug (Jackie) and Suzie’s brother Eric Anderson (Janalee).

A memorial service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Thursday, July 16th at 11:00 AM.

Juvenile Treatment Court teams gathered in Bismarck for training.

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Juvenile Treatment Court teams gathered in Bismarck for training. The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges spent a day and a half teaching the teams about best practices, incentives and sanctions, how to engage families and more. The Juvenile Treatment Court teams were able to discuss issues they are currently dealing with, as well as learn what is working in other courts. Treatment Court professionals from New Mexico and Montana joined in to share their experience.

Pictured above and below, each treatment court highlighted what worked well and what was different about their court.

Jessica Pearce, from NCJFCJ, presented to the state treatment court team members information on latest best practices and additional tools used across the country in treatment courts.

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Annual Report on Departures from Mandatory Minimum Sentence

Judge William F. Hodny 1932 - 2026

New opinions: June 25, 2026

Governor Kelly Armstrong declares Legal Assistant/Paralegal Day

Chief Justice McEvers provides keynote address at Boys State

Orders of Adoption

Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC Educator Experience visits Court

Notices of Comment

Supreme Court accepting applications for Rural Attorney Recruitment Program

Richard B. Crockett 1944-2026

Juvenile Treatment Court teams gathered in Bismarck for training.