Judicial Branch

UNIT 2

The Judges

The Preamble reads "establish justice", which is a mission fulfilled by the Judicial Branch. The branch is made up of three main court systems, the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, and the District Courts.

supreme Court

Members: One chief justice and six associate justices (seven total)

Terms: 6 years

Requirements:

- licensed to practice law in Minnesota
- qualified to vote in Minnesota
- at least 21 years old

Duties:

- Hear appeals on decisions from the Court of Appeals, Tax Court, and persons convicted of first-degree murder
- Interpret the law and constitution

Court of Appeals

Members: One chief justice and 18 associate justices (19 total)

Terms: 6 years

Requirements:

- licensed to practice law in Minnesota
- qualified to vote in Minnesota
- at least 21 years old

Duties:

- Hear appeals on decisions from lower courts

^ Court of Appeals Chief Justice and Associate Justices

District Court

Members: 10 judicial districts, each with several judges (293 judges across the state)

Terms: 6 years

Requirements:

- licensed to practice law in Minnesota
- qualified to vote in Minnesota
- at least 21 years old

Duties:

- Hear criminal cases
- Hear public policy issues, civil cases
- hear juvenile, family, probate, and traffic cases

^ Map of Minnesota's 10 judicial districts

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