News Item
Minnesota Supreme Court convenes in restored State Capitol courtroom

Posted: Tuesday, January 3, 2017

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The Minnesota Supreme Court convened in the newly-restored State Capitol Courtroom on January 3, 2017, marking the first time the state Supreme Court has heard oral arguments in the Capitol since May 2014. The January 3rd oral arguments were also the first official government proceeding held in the State Capitol since May 2016, when the building was closed to the public to allow for completion of the historic renovation project.
 
The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in two cases: Wilbur v. State Farm (A15-1438) and Ashland v. Commissioner of Revenue (A16-1257).
 
“It was a great honor to be able to help officially reopen our State Capitol, and once again preside over cases in one of our nation’s most beautiful public buildings,” said Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Lorie S. Gildea. “Our Court extends our sincere gratitude to the Governor, the Legislature, and the people of Minnesota for their support of this historic project, as well as to the men and women who worked so tirelessly to prepare our State Capitol for the next century of service.”
 
Since May 2014, the Minnesota Supreme Court has heard oral arguments in Courtroom 300 of the Minnesota Judicial Center (with the exception of special events at Minnesota law schools and high schools). With the reopening of the State Capitol, the Supreme Court will once again regularly hear oral arguments in both the Capitol and Judicial Center courtrooms.
 
Below are photographs of the remodeled Capitol Courtroom and the January 3 proceedings.