North Dakota Related Courts

8th Circuit decides two North Dakota appeals

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit decided two North Dakota cases on June 4, 2026

1. U.S. v. Jason Hutchinson; U.S. Court of Appeals Case No: 24-2749

Read the court's opinion here: https://ecf.ca8.uscourts.gov/opndir/26/06/242749U.pdf

2. U.S. v. Nicholas Morgan-Derosier; U.S. Court of Appeals Case No: 24-2204

Read the court's opinion here: https://ecf.ca8.uscourts.gov/opndir/26/06/242204U.pdf

8th Circuit decides North Dakota case

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit decided U.S. v. Chad Walker, U.S. Court of Appeals Case No: 25-2836.

Read the court's decision here: 252836U.pdf

U.S. District Court sets naturalization ceremony for June 16

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota announces a ceremony for the naturalization of new citizens will be held in Fargo on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Sanctuary Events Center, 670 4th Avenue North. U.S. Circuit Judge Ralph R. Erickson will preside over the ceremony.

Approximately 50 individuals are expected to be welcomed as new citizens. The public is invited to attend.

8th Circuit decides North Dakota Case

Thu, 28 May 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit decided Dirk Christianson v. McLean County, U.S. Court of Appeals Case No: 25-2010 on May 28.

Read the court's decision here: https://ecf.ca8.uscourts.gov/opndir/26/05/252010P.pdf

8th Circuit decides North Dakota Case

Thu, 21 May 2026 05:00:00 GMT

On Tuesday, May 19, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit decided a North Dakota case, Ronald Young v. Eric Keyes, U.S. Court of Appeals Case No: 24-2763.

Read the court's decision here: https://ecf.ca8.uscourts.gov/opndir/26/05/242763P.pdf

8th Circuit decides North Dakota Case

Tue, 12 May 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit decided a North Dakota case, United States v. Jaisaun Holt, U.S. Court of Appeals Case No: 24-2346.

View the court's decision here: https://ecf.ca8.uscourts.gov/opndir/26/05/242346U.pdf

8th Circuit decides North Dakota Case

Wed, 06 May 2026 05:01:00 GMT

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit decided a North Dakota case, United States v. Travis Crissler, U.S. Court of Appeals Case No: 25-1247.

View the court's decision here: https://ecf.ca8.uscourts.gov/opndir/26/05/251247U.pdf

U.S. District Court announces America's 250 Birthday Essay Contest.

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The Federal Practice Committee for the United States District Court for the District of North Dakota, coordinated through the Civic Engagement Subcommittee, invites all North Dakota students, in grades 6 through 12, to participate in an essay contest about America’s 250 Birthday and the importance of our nation’s federal court system. This contest is an excellent opportunity for students to learn more about our country’s history, gain interest in the federal court system, voice their opinions, and have an opportunity to win a $250 prize and receive recognition within their communities. For more information, view the attached flyer.

View the flyer here: Download

Job Announcement: Term Law Clerk to a United States Magistrate Judge - Fargo

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMT

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT: No. 26-06
Position: Term Law Clerk to a United States Magistrate Judge
Location: Fargo, North Dakota
Starting Salary Range: $74,678 - $106,437 (JSP 11/1 – 13/1)

Closing Date: Open until filled

POSITION OVERVIEW: The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota is seeking one full-time Law Clerk for a two-year term beginning August 2027 and ending August 2029. The position is located in the chambers of U.S. Magistrate Judge Alice R. Senechal, Fargo, North Dakota. Principal duties of the position include the following:

Researching substantive issues of federal and state law;
Drafting legal opinions and orders;
Assisting with case management responsibilities, including preparation for criminal and civil court proceedings and general docket management tasks;
Attending court proceedings;
Interacting with court staff, attorneys, and others in a professional and courteous manner; and
Performing other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: The successful applicant must have graduated from a law school on the approved list of either the American Bar Association or the Association of American Law Schools and must have one or more of the following attributes:

Standing within the upper third of the law school class;
Experience writing for law review, a law school publication, or other scholarly journal; or
Proficiency in legal studies, which in the opinion of the appointing judge, is the equivalent of one of the above. Some examples of criteria that are considered the equivalent include special high-level honors for academic excellence in law school, such as election to the Order of the Coif or the Order of Barristers, winning a moot court or trial advocacy team competition or membership on a moot court or trial advocacy team that represented the law school in competition with other law schools, participation in a law school clinical program, having had a previous clerkship, or having had an externship or internship with a judge that included substantive work.

The successful applicant must also be a United States citizen or a lawful permanent resident seeking citizenship.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: The actual pay level will be established on the basis of the successful applicant’s qualifications and experience. The position does not carry the tenure rights of positions in the competitive Civil Service. Other federal government benefits (e.g., holidays, life and health insurance, and Health Savings Accounts) are applicable. The position is subject to mandatory Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit) of net pay.

MISCELLANEOUS: The United States District Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer and has adopted an Employment Dispute Resolution Plan. Additional EEO information is available from the Office of the Clerk of Court. Applicants selected for in-person interviews must travel at their own expense. The successful applicant must submit to a criminal background check. All court employees are at-will employees, and therefore the appointee may be removed from the position at any time. Employees must adhere to a code of ethics and conduct, which is available to applicants upon request.

HOW TO APPLY: Submit a cover letter, resume, law school transcript, and completed application for judicial branch employment, Form AO-78 (available at Application for Judicial Branch Federal Employment)). via email to NDD_Jobs@ndd.uscourts.gov. All documents should be in .pdf format.

US District Court for the District of N.D. updated its Plan for the Adequate Representation of Defendants Under the Criminal Justice Act of 1964,

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota updated its Plan for the Adequate Representation of Defendants Under the Criminal Justice Act of 1964, as Amended (CJA Plan), effective April 1, 2026.

Click to Download

8th Circuit decides North Dakota Case

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit decided a North Dakota case, Young v. Happy Money, Inc., U.S. Court of Appeals Case No: 25-6011

View the court's decision here: https://ecf.ca8.uscourts.gov/opndir/26/04/256011P.pdf

8th Circuit decides two North Dakota Cases

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 05:01:00 GMT

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit decided two North Dakota Cases:

North Star Mutual Ins. Co. v. Lyle Rodin; U.S. Court of Appeals Case No: 24-1180
- View the Court's decision here: https://ecf.ca8.uscourts.gov/opndir/26/04/241180P.pdf

United States v. Shane See Walker; U.S. Court of Appeals Case No: 24-3423
- Vew the Court's decision here: https://ecf.ca8.uscourts.gov/opndir/26/04/243423U.pdf

8th Circuit decides North Dakota Case

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit decided U.S. v. Christopher Hardy, U.S. Court of Appeals Case No: 24-3460.

View the court's decision here: https://ecf.ca8.uscourts.gov/opndir/26/04/243460P.pdf

8th Circuit decides North Dakota Case

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit decided United States v. Patrick Opdahl, U.S. Court of Appeals Case No. 24-2713.

View the courts decision here: https://ecf.ca8.uscourts.gov/opndir/26/03/242713P.pdf

8th Circuit decides N.D. cases

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit decided two cases on Tuesday, March 17, 2026:

United States v. Ashley Howard
- U.S. Court of Appeals Case No: 24-2912
- U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota - Eastern
- Read the court's decision here: https://ecf.ca8.uscourts.gov/opndir/26/03/242912U.pdf

United States v. Dana Sam
- U.S. Court of Appeals Case No: 25-1136
- U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota - Western
- Read the court's decision here: https://ecf.ca8.uscourts.gov/opndir/26/03/251136P.pdf

Naturalization Ceremonies Scheduled for March 17th in Fargo

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 06:00:00 GMT

The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota announces two ceremonies for the naturalization of new citizens will be held in Fargo on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at the Sanctuary Events Center, 670 4th Avenue North.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Alice R. Senechal will preside over the 9:00 a.m. ceremony, and fifth graders from Oak Grove Lutheran School will provide music. Chief District Court Judge Peter D. Welte will preside over the 1:00 p.m. ceremony, and the Shanley Quintessence from Shanley High School will provide music. Kjersti Armstrong, North Dakota First Lady, will provide remarks at both ceremonies.

Approximately 186 individuals, originating from 43 countries, are expected to be welcomed as new citizens. The public is invited to attend.

8th Circuit decides N.D. case

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 06:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit decided Emmanuel Tombari v. NOV Process & Flow, Inc., U.S. Court of Appeals Case No: 24-3565.

Read the court's decision here: 243565P.pdf

8th Circuit decides North Dakota case

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 17:48:00 GMT

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit decided U.S. v. Justin Lee Baker, Case No: 25-1185, on Feb. 11, 2026.

Read the court's decision here: https://ecf.ca8.uscourts.gov/opndir/26/02/251185U.pdf

The District of North Dakota’s Criminal Justice Act Panel Representative presented at 2026 National Conference

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Press Release: The District of North Dakota’s Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Panel Representative, Mark Friese, presented at the 2026 National Conference of CJA Panel Attorney District Representatives in Houston, Texas. Friese was part of a panel, including other district’s panel representatives, that presented “Bold Moves in Response to the Funding Crisis.”

8th Circuit decides North Dakota case

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 06:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit decided Chase v. Andeavor Logistics, L.P. on Friday, January 30th.

View the court's decision here: https://ecf.ca8.uscourts.gov/opndir/26/01/233019P.pdf

Justia Opinion Summary

"A group of individuals with beneficial interests in Indian trust lands on the Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota challenged the continued operation of an oil pipeline by Andeavor Logistics and related entities after the expiration of a federally granted right-of-way in 2013. Despite the expiration, Andeavor continued to operate the pipeline while negotiating for renewals with both the tribal government and individual landowners, but was unable to secure agreements with all landowners. The plaintiffs, known as the Allottees, alleged ongoing trespass, breach of the expired easement agreement, and unjust enrichment, seeking monetary damages, injunctive relief, and removal of the pipeline.

The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota twice dismissed the Allottees’ case, first for failure to exhaust administrative remedies, a decision reversed by the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit in a prior appeal (Chase I), which instructed a stay for further agency action. After further BIA proceedings and related litigation (including the Tesoro case), the district court again dismissed all of the Allottees’ claims with prejudice, finding no individual federal common law cause of action for trespass, breach of contract, or unjust enrichment, and denied their motion to intervene in the Tesoro case, concluding the United States adequately represented their interests.

On appeal, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit affirmed the district court’s dismissal of the Allottees’ claims for trespass, breach of contract, and unjust enrichment, holding that individual Indian allottees with only equitable interests in land held in trust by the United States lack standing to bring these claims under federal common law. The court also affirmed denial of intervention in the Tesoro litigation. However, the Eighth Circuit remanded for further consideration of whether consolidation of the two related cases is appropriate under Rule 42(a) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure." (Source: https://www.ndcourts.gov/Admin/Contents/Edit/110463?ReturnUrl=%2Fnews)