Judicial Branch announces digital exhibit system launch

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Using technology to further leap into a new era of judicial administration, the Minnesota Judicial Branch has announced the launch of a digital exhibit system. This system will allow users to upload and review digital exhibits from anywhere.

The Minnesota Digital Exhibit System (MNDES) was developed out of demand for online and on-demand court services. The Judicial Branch noted that attorneys, self-represented litigants, and justice partners were looking for a system that allowed them to upload and view exhibits without having to be at the courthouse.

The demand for remote access to court services has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, which profoundly affected the judiciary — along with everything else — and has spurred advancements in utilizing technology to improve efficiencies in the legal system.

Jodi Boyne, director of public affairs for the Minnesota Judicial System, stated, “Developing a standard system and process for managing digital exhibits has been one of our top priorities.”

Prior to the development of MNDES, people would submit evidence in a variety of ways, including mail, email, storage devices, and physical items. With some cases having large volumes of evidence or many different types of exhibits, there was no easy way to manage those exhibits or for people to access them.

MNDES aims to streamline issues that previously occurred with overseeing exhibits and providing access to them. “Through MNDES, we are providing a secure, user-friendly, web-based portal for one of the most critical aspects of court proceedings—exhibits,” Boyne said.

MNDES is a centralized system that is web-based. Anyone can upload or access digital exhibits for district court cases that are taking place in person or remotely. For those with basic computer competence and internet access, account set up is fairly simple. Signing up only requires a user to provide a valid email address. The Judicial Branch has also provided training materials which help walk users through both how to set up an account and how to upload or view exhibits. It is also possible for users to submit exhibits without an account for the purpose of a hearing. However, accounts will be needed to view the exhibit and may, in some cases, be required to submit exhibits.

There are several apparent benefits of MNDES. Judges can access the exhibits and make notes about the exhibits through the new platform. Courts can also securely manage the exhibits by using chain of custody tracking. During both in-person and remote hearings, parties can display their exhibits.

MNDES is not just for use by district courts. Appellate courts will also be able to view exhibits in MNDES. District court staff will confirm those exhibits are part of the record on appeal. In the future, MNDES may also be used for jury deliberations. This is now being piloted.

Currently, the system is available in Ramsey, Sherburne, and Washington Counties. On May 31, the Judicial Branch announced expansion to Anoka, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Pine, and Wright counties. It intends to for the system to be expanded statewide throughout 2022.

“The Minnesota Judicial Branch is committed to leveraging technology and innovation to provide a secure, consistent, and quality experience for people to interact with the courts and to improve court efficiencies,” Chief Justice Lorie Gildea declared in a press release. “MNDES is one example of the advancements our courts are making to operate in an increasingly digital environment.”