With another Supreme Court Justice retiring, a law expert breaks down what could be the future of Minnesota’s high court appointees. Peter Knapp, a Mitchell Hamline School of Law Professor, talked with MPR News host Cathy Wurzer about the retirement and what it could mean for the future.
The Minnesota Supreme Court earlier this month rebuffed the state legislature's efforts to hide records of eviction proceedings from public access. In its August 8 order (ADM10-8050).
Governor Tim Walz recently promoted Associate Justice Natalie Hudson to Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court this fall. Hudson will become the first Black Chief Justice of the state’s Supreme Court. She will lead the high court when Chief Justice Gildea retires in October. “Justice Hudson is one of our state’s most experienced jurists. She has a strong reputation as a leader and consensus builder,” Gov. Walz said in a statement. “I am confident that she will advance a vision that promotes fairness and upholds the dignity of all Minnesotans.” According to the AP , only one justice appointed by a Republican will remain. However, observers believe the court’s nonpartisan reputation will be maintained. This is contrast with the partisan tensions in Wisconsin’s state Supreme Court and the progressively conservative stance of the U.S. Supreme Court. When Hudson steps into her position, all but one of the seven Supreme Court justices will have been appointed by Democra