News Item
Public invited to celebrate Law Day at Duluth “Open Courthouse” event

Posted: Tuesday, March 31, 2015

May 1 event features courthouse tours, information fair, and free legal advice clinic

On Friday, May 1, the St. Louis County Courthouse in Duluth will open its doors to the public as part of a Law Day “Open Courthouse” event designed to showcase the work of Minnesota’s Sixth Judicial District, and educate students and the public about the role of judges, attorneys, law enforcement, and citizens in administering Minnesota’s justice system. The public and media are invited to attend the event, which runs from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Open Courthouse event will feature numerous activities, including:

  • A special visit from Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Christopher Dietzen;
  • An opportunity to meet local judges and justice system partners;
  • Guided tours of the courthouse, including the holding area and arraignment courtroom;
  • A free legal advice clinic sponsored by the Volunteer Attorney Program;
  • Presentations on a wide array of legal topics, such as arraignment, public defense, prosecution, jury service, and more; and
  • An information fair with representatives from numerous law- and justice-related organizations.

Tours of the courthouse will begin at 1 p.m. and occur every 45 minutes.

The Open Courthouse event is scheduled on Law Day, a national day set aside to celebrate the rule of law. Law Day underscores how law and the legal process have contributed to the freedoms that all Americans share. Law Day was first established in 1958 through a proclamation by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Congress passed a joint resolution designating May 1 as Law Day, U.S.A in 1961.

“Every year, Law Day serves as an important opportunity for Americans to recognize how our justice system protects our freedoms and preserves the rule of law in our communities,” said Chief Judge Shaun Floerke of Minnesota’s Sixth Judicial District. “This year, we are celebrating Law Day by giving students and the people we serve a chance to see their justice system up close, and learn about how judges, attorneys, and law enforcement work together to resolve controversies and keep our communities safe. At the same time, visitors will be able to get a behind-the-scenes look at our courthouse, participate in a free legal clinic, and learn about the programs and services that are available to them through the courts and our justice system partners.”

The Law Day Open Courthouse event is being hosted by Minnesota’s Sixth Judicial District in partnership with the Minnesota State Bar Association, with the support of the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office, the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department, the Sixth District Public Defenders Office, the Volunteer Attorney Program, and the St. Louis County Law Library.

“Minnesota’s justice system has been recognized nationally for its innovation and effectiveness, and our state’s commitment to providing fair and equal access to the law,” said Richard Kyle, Jr., President of the Minnesota State Bar Association.  “This success has been built on a strong partnership between the courts, law enforcement, and public and private attorneys. The Minnesota State Bar Association is proud to help sponsor this event, which will showcase all the things Minnesota does well to keep our communities safe and ensure that all Minnesotans have access to their justice system.”

More information about the event will be provided in the weeks ahead, and will also be posted at www.mncourts.gov/duluthopencourthouse.

The St. Louis County Courthouse in Duluth is located at 100 North 5th Avenue West. There is a public parking ramp located immediately behind (to the north of) the Courthouse. The parking ramp can be accessed from 3rd Street.

About Minnesota’s Sixth Judicial District

Minnesota’s Sixth Judicial District serves Minnesota's Arrowhead Region in Carlton, Cook, Lake and St. Louis Counties. The District Bench includes 16 District Court Judges who are chambered throughout the District. Shaun R. Floerke serves as Chief Judge of the District, and is a member of the Judicial Council, which oversees the administration of justice in the state. Together the judges and court administration staff work to provide just and timely resolution of more than 45,000 case filings each year.