A basic knowledge of Minnesota courts can be beneficial if you ever find yourself in the courtroom. All too often individuals and businesses find the need to file a lawsuit, or are at the receiving end of a lawsuit, and their lack of knowledge on how the court system works leaves them lost in the proceedings. Regardless of the circumstances that put you there, it doesn’t hurt to understand the court process.

It’s important to know that there are multiple courts in each state that handle different types of cases. Each of these courts has a judge that administers the law and case process. When considering courts in the state of Minnesota, keep the following in mind:

1. There are 10 districts for the state courts in MN.

2. The Supreme Court and Minnesota State Court of Appeals only hear appellate cases.

3. Bankruptcy information and case filings are accessible through MN court records.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate Minnesota state courts

Minnesota state courts handle most general cases. A district (trial) court in the state of Minnesota handles civil, criminal, family, juvenile, probate and city ordinance violation cases. The 10 districts represent all 87 counties, with 1 to 17 counties, and courts, in each district. Conciliation courts handle civil matters up to $7,500. There are also 30 drug courts, two mental health courts, one truancy court and two community courts. The Minnesota Judicial Branch designates these 35 courts as problem-solving courts. Additionally, Minnesota has a tax court and a workers' compensation court.

I recommend: Determine which district your county belongs to and find contact information for your county courthouse on the Minnesota Judicial Branch – Minnesota District Courts page. Examine MN state court records by performing a Minnesota Trial Court Public Access (MPA) search. Download forms for your particular type of case on the Minnesota Judicial Branch – Court Forms page.

File an appeal with the Supreme Court and Minnesota Court of Appeals

The Supreme Court and MN State Court of Appeals hear only appellate cases. The purpose of an appellate court is to review the trial transcript and original evidence of a case to determine if there were any errors in the original case decision. There are no witnesses, jurors or new evidence in a case heard before the Minnesota appellate court justices and their decisions are final. The Minnesota State Supreme Court hears appeals on decisions made by the Court of Appeals. The Court of Appeals hears appellate cases stemming from district court decisions or that the Supreme Court appointed.

I recommend: Obtain information on previous decisions made by the appellate courts by accessing Opinions of the Minnesota State Appellate Courts Archive. Gain access to current appellate court cases through the Minnesota Appellate Courts Case Management System.

Access records from bankruptcy courts in the state of MN

Whether you need to search for a bankruptcy filing on a debtor or determine if bankruptcy is an option for you or your company, the Minnesota Bankruptcy Courts can assist you with both. The Minnesota Bankruptcy court provides information on the basics for bankruptcy filing, contact information for trustees and bankruptcy attorneys and an online search of Minnesota bankruptcy records through the PACER system (Public Access to Court Electronic Records).

I recommend: Obtain information on local bankruptcy court rules and forms on the US Bankruptcy Court –District of Minnesota website. Visit the bankruptcy court records search on the District of Minnesota Document Filing System.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Regardless of how much knowledge you have of Minnesota state courts, you should hire an attorney who specializes in your specific type of case to represent you.