NCJ Number
81347
Editor(s)
J Rosenblatt
Date Published
1981
Length
63 pages
Annotation
This report describes the structure and function of the Minnesota courts, delineates its personnel, describes how the system works, and highlights some current issues facing the judiciary.
Abstract
A brief history of the Minnesota courts, with information on court hierarchy and jurisdiction, precedes a discussion of the structure and function of the State supreme court, district court, and county courts. The myriad of lower level courts, including probate, juvenile, family, and civil and criminal courts, are delineated. The functions of judges, referees and judicial officers, attorneys, and juries are examined, and the provisions of the Court Reform Act of 1977 are explained. The functioning of the system is explained in terms of the kinds of cases heard and the procedures followed for each kind. Probate and juvenile court procedures and civil and criminal case procedures are reviewed. Alternatives in criminal cases -- bail, plea bargaining, and sentencing -- are examined, and probation services and other alternatives for the offender (i.e., restitution, work release) are mentioned. Procedures involved in appeals to the supreme court are also reviewed. Current issues involving the courts that are discussed include administrative reform, court consolidation, and accountability of conservators and guardians. Issues involving judge selection and removal and use of parajudicial personnel are addressed along with jury issues (i.e., divided juries, defense access to the grand jury). Bail, plea bargaining, and sentencing issues are also addressed. Notes, a glossary, a list of resources, and 39 references are appended. Tables, flow charts, a map, and an organizational chart are included.