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Historic Stillwater Courthouse to hold court for first time in 40 years

Posted: Monday, May 22, 2017

Public invited to celebrate Law Day, 150th anniversary of historic Courthouse on June 2

On Friday, June 2, Washington County and the judges and staff from Washington County District Court are inviting the public to an event designed to showcase the local justice system and celebrate the 150th anniversary of the historic Washington County Courthouse in downtown Stillwater – the oldest standing courthouse in Minnesota.
 
As part of the event, Washington County District Court will hold actual court proceedings in the historic Courthouse, marking the first time the historic structure has held court since the opening of the existing Washington County Government Center in 1975. The day will begin with a short welcoming ceremony led by the Washington County Historical Society, followed by a full court calendar of civil and criminal cases. These are public court proceedings, and the public is welcome to attend. Attendees will also have the opportunity to take a self-guided tour of the historic building.
 
Also during the June 2 event, the public is invited to visit the Washington County Government Center in Stillwater to take part in an information fair and activities celebrating Law Day, a national day set aside to celebrate the rule of law and the justice system. The theme of Law Day 2017 is The 14th Amendment: Transforming American Democracy, and the event will feature an opportunity to learn about the 14th amendment to the U.S. Constitution through videos, an Ask-an-Attorney event, and a quiz. Court administration staff will also provide information to the public about the rule of law and how it relates to administering justice in the Minnesota Judicial Branch. 
 
Both events are free, and open to the media and public. Seating for the court proceedings at the historic Courthouse will be limited. More details are provided below. More information about the event will also be posted at www.co.washington.mn.us/lawlibrary. 
 
What:
Washington County Law Day Celebration, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the historic Washington County Courthouse in downtown Stillwater.
 
When:
Friday, June 2, 2017
 
The information fair and activities at the Washington County Government Center will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
 
Court proceedings at the historic Washington County Courthouse will begin with a short welcoming ceremony at 8:50 a.m., immediately followed by the actual court proceedings at 9 a.m.
 
Where:
The event will be split between two locations:
  • The information fair and Law Day events will be held at the Washington County Government Center at 14949 62nd Street North in Stillwater.
  • The court proceedings will be held at the historic Washington County Courthouse located at 101 West Pine Street in Stillwater.