Minnesota Judicial Branch Preview

The work of the courts affects every aspect of our lives – from birth to death and in conflict resolution regarding business, criminal activity, and individual rights. The courts are also where marriages are dissolved, adoptions and custody issues are handled, and wills are settled.

This virtual tour of the Minnesota Judicial Branch will give you a basic understanding of the Judicial Branch and the people who serve you!

What is the Minnesota Judicial Branch?

Minnesota's District (Trial) Courts

What Does a District Court Trial Look Like?

How Sentencing Works in a District Court Trial

Defendants convicted of felony crimes are sentenced according to a uniform set of guidelines, established by a commission created by the state legislature (Sentencing Guidelines Commission). The purpose of the system is to assure that those who commit similar crimes, and who have comparable criminal backgrounds, receive similar sentences.

The guidelines are based on two elements: the seriousness of the crime or crimes, and the offender's criminal history. A judge may depart from these guidelines, but only for good reasons that they must explain in writing.

In some cases, a judge gives a probationary sentence. Probationary defendants can avoid going to a state prison, but they can be required to serve time in the local jail, participate in employment or treatment programs, and return what they took from their victims or compensate the victim for the loss.

In addition, a court may order the offender to make restitution (payment) to victims for damages, loss of property or lost wages, or expenses for treatment of injuries. The judge can also order the defendant to pay restitution to the victim.

Those convicted of gross misdemeanors and misdemeanors may be sentenced to probation and/or time in a local jail. Violation of terms of the probation can result in a long jail term.

Curious about who is who during District Court trials? Watch this short video to learn more!

The Minnesota Court of Appeals

The Minnesota Court of Appeals provides Minnesotans with prompt and deliberate review of final decisions of the trial courts, state agencies, and local governments.

As the error-correcting court, the Court of Appeals handles most of the appeals, which allows the Minnesota Supreme Court to spend time resolving difficult constitutional and public policy cases. The Court of Appeals has authority to reverse, remand, modify, or affirm the decision of the district court.

The Minnesota Court of Appeals, which began on November 1, 1983, provides the citizens of Minnesota with prompt and deliberate review of all final decisions of the trial courts, state agencies, and local governments.

In the 1960s and 1970s, the number of appeals in Minnesota soared, overburdening the Minnesota Supreme Court and threatening the right to a meaningful first appeal for all Minnesotans. The solution: the creation of an intermediate appellate court whose mission would be to provide the people of the State of Minnesota with impartial, clear, and timely appellate decisions.

The Minnesota Supreme Court

What Kinds of Cases Does the Minnesota Supreme Court Hear?

All first-degree murder convictions and legislative election disputes are reviewed directly by the Supreme Court.

Currently, the Supreme Court reviews petitions in approximately 750 cases a year and accepts review in about 1 in 10 cases. These cases can come from the Minnesota Court of Appeals. Other appeals are filed from decisions of the Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals, Tax Court, Lawyers Professional Responsibility Board, and Board of Judicial Standards. Election contests and appeals for first-degree murder cases are automatically appealed to the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court is also responsible for the regulation of the practice of law and for judicial and lawyer discipline.