Minnesota courts are set to implement new default hearing settings starting February 3. This change follows the Minnesota Judicial Council's decision in July 2024 to adopt a new district court hearing framework.
Under the new system, hearings will be assigned a default setting of either in-person or remote, determined by the case type. Courts will adhere to these defaults unless a judicial officer orders an exception or if a deviation plan is established.
Judicial officers have the discretion to deviate from these settings based on specific case needs without issuing an order or findings. Exceptions can be requested by parties involved or initiated by the court itself.
Various agencies, judicial districts, counties, and court divisions can request deviations from statewide defaults under certain conditions. For instance, a district court might opt for remote hearings to enhance access to justice partner services or legal representation. These requests require approval from the Judicial Council and apply to adult criminal, juvenile delinquency, and non-criminal hearings.
The adjustments stem from feedback regarding remote hearings during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. A statewide survey indicated that participants in remote hearings faced fewer barriers compared to those attending in person.
These changes reflect the Minnesota Judicial Branch's commitment to utilizing both in-person and remote hearings effectively while incorporating insights gained through the oneCourtMN Hearings Initiative over recent years.