What are Minnesota Court Records?

Docket Sheet

Dockets are formal records listing key information, such as attorneys of record, parties, and judges. They will also include a list and summary of the documents used in the trial, acting as an inventory for the record.

Judgments and Orders

These papers refer to the decisions made by the judge and/or jury. The judge signs the final judgment outlining each party's punishments and responsibilities after the trial ends.

Transcripts

Transcripts are verbatim records of court proceedings, including the speaker's name. These records are useful as evidence for a motion or when requesting an appeal. Minnesota does not prepare transcripts without an explicit request.

Evidence

Physical and document-based evidence is recorded from police reports and introduced by both legal sides during arguments.

Court Minutes

A document recording the start and end time of a trial. It is a summary of the events of the court like recesses, testimonies, and official statements.

Pleadings

Statements that describe each party's requests to the court, such as complaints, plea bargains, or motions.

Briefs

Arguments written by legal counsel and submitted to the court. These documents provide examples to support their claims.

Civil Cases

A civil case seeks to resolve disputes between individuals and/or organizations. This means neither side represents the government, and there is no guarantee of a lawyer. The primary goal of a civil resolution is to fairly compensate victims based on legal context.

Common examples of civil cases include:

• Family Law
• Property Disputes
• Bankruptcy Filings

Civil cases are decided using a standard called the preponderance of evidence. Meeting this standard requires the jury to vote that one side's argument is more plausible based on the evidence.

Government absence in civil cases means that imprisonment is typically not an option. Most situations end in monetary compensation or the loss of certain privileges, such as visitation rights in divorce court.

Criminal Cases

In criminal cases, the plaintiff is a government agency representing "The People". These cases aren't meant to compensate victims but to uphold the law and stabilize society.

Criminal cases often result in much harsher punishments. A guilty verdict may lead to imprisonment or the confiscation of other rights, such as firearm ownership or driving privileges. The severity of these consequences also places a higher burden of proof on the plaintiff.

Guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This standard of proof means that a jury must reach a unanimous decision. If any juror repeatedly dissents, the trial starts with a new selection of jurors.

Common examples of criminal cases include:

• Murder
• Domestic Violence
• Burglary

State Supreme Court

The Minnesota Supreme Court is the highest judicial body in the state. It acts as the court of last resort and exercises jurisdiction in interpreting the Minnesota constitution. Decisions made at this level cannot be appealed like in lower courts unless the ruling is related to matters of Federal law.

Justices are elected through a statewide ballot unless one leaves their position before their six-year term concludes. In these cases, the governor appoints a replacement.

Like the Federal Supreme Court, the Minnesota Supreme Court primarily deals in appeals and decisions on judicial processes. However, only 10 to 14 percent of cases, roughly 600 per year, make it past the Court of Appeals.

Despite the lower activity, certain case types are automatically accepted. Prioritized appeals relate to or originate from the following:

• First-Degree Murders
• Workers' Compensation Court
• Tax Court

The Minnesota Supreme Court is also responsible for licensing and managing practicing lawyers. It administers the state bar and ensures attorneys maintain their skills through required continuing education. Lawyers who fail to meet standards can have their licenses suspended or revoked.

Court of Appeals

The Minnesota Court of Appeals reviews the decisions made by trial courts and government agencies within the state. Ninety-five percent of appeal processes end here, freeing higher courts to focus on urgent tasks.

Cases are heard by a three-judge panel, with the presiding judge in the center seat. This court handles about 2000 cases per year and, according to Minnesota law, promises a decision within 90 days of oral arguments.

Conciliation Court

A conciliation court, also called a small claims court, handles civil disputes for up to $20,000. It saves citizens expensive legal fees and offers a less complex legal procedure. These courts cannot hear criminal proceedings, and appeals are directed to the district courts.

Trial Courts

Minnesota is divided into ten districts overseen by a chief judge, assistant chief judge, and judicial district administrator. These courts see nearly 1 million cases annually and cover everything from family law to violent crimes.

If necessary, the first step in the trial court is jury selection. The judge selects twelve jurors from a randomly selected pool of district citizens.

Next, the prosecutor, referred to as the plaintiff in civil proceedings, and the defense attorneys make their opening statements. These are short monologues outlining each side's central arguments.

The presentation of cases becomes more in-depth. Witnesses and evidence are introduced to the judge and jury, and each side is permitted time to ask questions and cross-examine.

Once the defense rests, attorneys make their closing statements. This is their last chance to speak directly to the jury and judge before a final judgment is rendered.

This is the basic skeleton of the trial court process. However, these courts encompass many types, including criminal, civil, family, juvenile, and probate courts. Each subdivision has unique considerations and processes that are unique to its purpose.

Specialty Courts

All levels of Minnesota courts work in conjunction with the state's 11 tribal courts. These courts act per the Courts of Indian Offenses and Law and Order Code but will apply tribal customs where appropriate.

Tribal courts handle criminal cases occurring within "Indian country". These regions are outlined under 18 U.S. Code, Section 1511. Tribal jurisdiction does not cover Federal felonies, and most criminal cases committed by non-natives are typically tried by the state.

Another lesser-known court in Minnesota is its drug courts. These institutions are also called "problem-solving" or treatment courts because they are meant to take a more empathetic and rehabilitation-oriented approach to the judicial process.

The courts create a strategy that pushes offenders into undergoing treatment and discouraging repeated criminal behavior. Rather than sending people to jail, drug courts account for the spiraling effects of substance abuse and mental disorders.

Rather than fines and jail time, "punishments" include things like officer supervision and random drug and alcohol testing. There are reward programs that promote sticking to a rehab program and breaking out of the spiral created by substance abuse.