North Dakota Case Law

The North Dakota state court system is divided into three levels. The highest court in North Dakota is the North Dakota Supreme Court, which consists of five judges. The Supreme Court reviews appeals of decisions by the North Dakota Court of Appeals. It also reviews appeals of decisions by trial courts in many situations. Decisions by the North Dakota Supreme Court are final unless the U.S. Supreme Court agrees to review an appeal of a decision.

The middle level of the North Dakota state court system is the North Dakota Court of Appeals, which consists of three judges. These judges are appointed on a temporary basis for up to one year. The Court of Appeals reviews appeals only in cases that are assigned to it by the Supreme Court. In some years, it does not review any appeals.

The lowest level of the North Dakota state court system consists of the North Dakota District Courts and the North Dakota Municipal Courts. The District Courts are trial courts with general jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, as well as juvenile cases. These courts also review appeals of decisions by Municipal Courts. The jurisdiction of the Municipal Courts is limited to violations of city ordinances.