North Dakota Supreme Court Decisions
The North Dakota Supreme Court began its history as the Supreme Court of the Dakota Territory in 1861. The size of the court varied between three and eight justices until the adoption of the North Dakota Constitution in 1889. While the Constitution initially set the size of the Court at three justices, a constitutional amendment in 1908 increased it to five justices, which is the size that it remains today. Each justice serves a 10-year term, as provided by a constitutional amendment in 1930.
Under the North Dakota Constitution, the Supreme Court holds general appellate jurisdiction as well as the authority to issue any writs that are needed to exercise its jurisdiction. It also holds the authority to form a three-member panel, known as a Court of Appeals, to hear cases that the Supreme Court assigns to it when the need arises. The Supreme Court chooses the members of the Court of Appeals from retired Supreme Court justices, current or retired lower court judges, and lawyers. A study by Stanford University in 2012 found that the Court is the second-most conservative state supreme court in the U.S.
To serve on the North Dakota Supreme Court, a candidate must be a U.S. citizen and a resident of North Dakota. They also must be “learned in the law.” Candidates run for seats on the Court in non-partisan elections. This means that voters do not see the political affiliation of a candidate on the ballot. Elections are staggered so that one judge is elected every two years. However, if a vacancy arises, the Governor of North Dakota has the authority to appoint a replacement justice. This justice will serve for up to two years until the general election, in which they can run to retain their seat. The justices of the North Dakota Supreme Court and the District Court judges vote to elect the Chief Justice every five years, or when a vacancy arises.
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Recent Decisions From the North Dakota Supreme Court
Date: May 16, 2024
Citation: 2024 ND 99
Docket Number: 20230273
Justia Opinion Summary: The case involves Steven Aune, who was convicted of manslaughter. His conviction was affirmed by the Supreme Court of North Dakota. Aune later applied for postconviction relief, but his application was dismissed by the…
Date: May 16, 2024
Citation: 2024 ND 91
Docket Number: 20230289
Justia Opinion Summary: Glenn Solberg, representing himself, appealed against orders denying his motions for relief from judgment and for reconsideration. He also moved for a jury trial and disqualification of the Court, alleging bias and…
Date: May 16, 2024
Citation: 2024 ND 96
Docket Number: 20230356
Justia Opinion Summary: In May 2023, Zeferino Rangel pleaded guilty to five felony counts, including patronizing a minor for commercial sexual activity, corruption or solicitation of minors, possession of certain prohibited materials, promoting…
Date: May 16, 2024
Citation: 2024 ND 95
Docket Number: 20230364
Justia Opinion Summary: The case revolves around Alvin Brown, who pleaded guilty to two counts of endangerment of a child. After serving his sentence, he was put on probation. However, the State filed a petition to revoke his probation after he…
Date: May 16, 2024
Citation: 2024 ND 97
Docket Number: 20230368
Justia Opinion Summary: Joshua and Melissa Armitage were married in June 2019 and separated in February 2023. They have one child together, born in 2020. Melissa Armitage initiated a divorce action in February 2023. The district court held a…
Date: May 16, 2024
Citation: 2024 ND 93
Docket Number: 20230371
Justia Opinion Summary: Brent Castleman was charged with 13 separate offenses, including stalking, harassment, tampering with physical evidence, and 10 counts of disobedience of a judicial order. Castleman filed a motion to sever the 13 counts…
Date: May 16, 2024
Citation: 2024 ND 98
Docket Number: 20230391
Date: May 16, 2024
Citation: 2024 ND 98
Docket Number: 20230392
Date: May 2, 2024
Citation: 2024 ND 80
Docket Number: 20230103
Justia Opinion Summary: In June 2015, Jordan Morsette was driving on the wrong side of the road when his vehicle collided head-on with another vehicle driven by Shayna Monson. Monson suffered serious bodily injuries, while two passengers in her…
Date: May 2, 2024
Citation: 2024 ND 81
Docket Number: 20230110
Justia Opinion Summary: The case involves Timothy Morales, who was injured when he was hit by a vehicle driven by Ruby Junewal within the Weatherford Distribution Facility in Williston. Morales filed a lawsuit alleging negligence against…
Some case metadata and case summaries were written with the help of AI, which can produce inaccuracies. You should read the full case before relying on it for legal research purposes.
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