Minnesota Judicial Training & Education Blog

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By: Judge Pendleton

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Alan F. Pendleton (Former District Court Judge)
Attorney (former District Court Judge)
Judge Alan F. Pendleton (Retired)
Alan F. Pendleton

Latest from Minnesota Judicial Training & Education Blog

Welcome back to the “Minnesota Judicial Training and Education Blog,” hosted at pendletonupdates.com. This is the second post in our ongoing series on “Predicate Questions: Laying Proper Foundation for Exhibits and Witnesses.” This post explores the critical steps for introducing physical evidence in Minnesota courtrooms, focusing on foundational requirements, sample predicate questions, and best…

Predicate Question Series #1

This training update is the first in a series that will focus on providing young trial attorneys with a sampling of predicate questions to help them improve their trial technique.

In Minnesota courts, one of the most essential skills for any trial attorney is the ability to lay the proper foundation.…

In the demanding and high-stress world of legal practice, attorneys and judges face unique challenges that can significantly impact their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. The pressures of heavy workloads, long hours, and the high stakes involved in legal matters contribute to elevated stress levels, burnout, and mental health issues within the profession.

Problems Facing…

1. URGENT CONCERN: Throughout the United States, including Minnesota, bail hearings and the prosecution of Felony Domestic Abuse by Strangulation cases are occassionally presided over by judges and prosecutors who are not fully aware of the insidious nature of strangulation. In some cases, bail is set at meager amounts, and prosecution cases are resolved with…

Two weeks ago I posted a copy of my new eBook on “Artificial Intelligence in Law: A Comprehensive Introduction for Legal Professionals”.

Since then I have received numerous comments that the book font was difficult to read. One benefit of an eBook is the ease with which it can be edited. I have reformatted the…

Welcome to “Artificial Intelligence (AI): A Comprehensive Introduction for Legal Professionals,” an eBook dedicated to unveiling the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the legal domain.

As the legal profession stands at the cusp of a technological revolution, integrating AI into various aspects of legal practice is not just imminent but essential.

This eBook…

NEW MINNESOTA SUPREME COURT RULE

State v. Torgerson, A22-0425 (Minn. Sept. 13, 2023)

This training update was written for the Minnesota Law Enforcement Training Academy (LETAC) and will be distributed to 12,000 Minnesota law enforcement professionals.

Yes, Officer, I was smoking marijuana but it was earlier at my house, not in the car!

QUESTION: Does…

Law Enforcement officers are responsible for conducting traffic stops when they have reasonable suspicion of a traffic violation or a criminal violation. Being stopped by an officer can be a stressful experience for the driver, any passengers, and the officer, too. Knowing what to do during the stop will help ensure the safety of the driver…

The Minnesota Dimler Amendment, originally enacted in 1986 and named after its sponsor, representative Chuck Dimler, governs which speeding violations are recorded on a driving record maintained by the Department of Public Safety. Application of the Dimler Amendment not only keeps a driving infraction off a person’s driving record but has the practical effect of insulating…