Debating unpublished opinions

Kevin Featherly February 12, 2020

A 2016 Bench & Bar magazine article by state Supreme Court Associate Justice David Lillehaug urged the state to repeal the law as a clear separation-of-powers violation. Lillehaug also pushed for more published and precedential opinions. (AP file photo: Star Tribune)

Long-simmering issue could come to a head in 2020 session.

Hemp farmer Hummel settles federal lawsuit

Kevin Featherly February 12, 2020

A post on Luis Miguel Hummel’s public Facebook page shows him giving a thumb’s up in front of his thriving hemp crop. (Submitted photo)

Agreement puts ‘Lulu Magoo’ out of business.

Two bills take on primary voter privacy

Kevin Featherly February 11, 2020

Secretary of State Steve Simon speaks to reporters Wednesday about a bill that he says will protect primary voters’ privacy. Standing with him is House File 3068’s author, Rep. Ray Dehn-DFL-Minneapolis (left), Sen. Jim Abeler, R-Anoka (center background) and Rep. Mike Nelson, DFL-Brooklyn Park. Senate author Sen. Ann Rest, DFL-New Hope, and several others also were present, but are not pictured. (Staff photo: Kevin Featherly)

Scott wants to scotch party-declaration requirement.

Sentence based on victim’s vulnerability overturned

Barbara L. Jones February 11, 2020

Justice Natalie Hudson, Justice Anne McKeig

The unfortunate part of the case is its precedential value, said St. Louis County Attorney Mark Rubin.

Nobles County ordered to stop illegal detention for ICE

Barbara L. Jones February 10, 2020

Fifth Judicial District Judge Gregory Anderson has ordered Nobles County to stop detaining immigrants in jail after their cases have ended or they were eligible for release on bail.

2019 Attorneys of the Year

Minnesota Lawyer February 7, 2020

They pursued fair census procedures, rights of noncitizens charged with crimes, asylum for LGBTQ clients, and the path to citizenship or green card status.

Draft proposal would regulate use of facial recognition

Kevin Featherly February 7, 2020

Cass Weiland of the group Restore the 4th Minnesota testifies before the Subcommittee on Data Practices on Jan. 30. Kurtis Hannah, left, is another member of the pro-Fourth Amendment advocacy group. (Staff photo: Kevin Featherly)

Members of the joint House-Senate advisory panel mused over everything from law enforcement’s use of facial recognition and Chinese gait analysis to a Pentagon laser technology.

Deep dive into race, prison toll

Kevin Featherly February 6, 2020

Hennepin County District Court Judge Tanya Bransford spoke to lawmakers Jan. 29 at a joint House Public Safety/Judiciary committee hearing. The judge described steps that Minnesota’s courts have taken to alleviate racial biases and disparities in the justice system. (Staff photo: Kevin Featherly)

Lawmakers hear 7 hours of testimony over two days.

It’s shaping up to be anxious year for corporate counsel

Dan Heilman February 6, 2020

Given their level of responsibility, corporate counsel are a nervous lot as a rule.

Bill would let cities charge developers for streets

Brian Johnson February 5, 2020

At issue is whether cities are allowed to charge residential developers for general citywide transportation improvements to absorb additional traffic generated by the new homes. Builders say “no,” and recent court rulings have gone their way. (File photo: Bill Klotz/Special to Finance & Commerce)

Advocates for Minnesota cities are asking state lawmakers to weigh in on an issue that has long pitted builders and developers against local communities.

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