Minnesota Supreme Court judges recuse themselves from cases involving U. of Minnesota

April 30, 2012

Saint Paul, Minnesota: As the state land grant university and one of the largest state institutions, the University of Minnesota finds itself in the state court system a great deal. However, close ties between the University and the Justice's of the Minnesota Supreme Court have had four of the states seven justices recusing themselves from cases involving the University. According to a report by Minnesota Daily, the current justices of the court include a "former University lawyer, a former member on the Board of Regents and two who have taught at the Law School." With Chief Justice Lorie Gildea, and justices Alan Page, David Stras and Paul Anderson recusing themselves, that leaves only three judges to rule on the two cases currently before the court. Keith Swisher, of the Phoenix School of Law, was not suprised by the recusals, telling the press that, Supreme Court judges, being in the top tier of bar members, are often involved with law schools and universities, either teaching, donating or sitting on boards. However, under the courts rules, three justices must agree to hear a case, resulting in the University being required to convince all three remaining judges to have an appeal heard. The court is permitted to bring on other high ranking or former judges to round out the numbers, but that decision is up to the courts highest ranking member on the case. Bringing on additional judges can raise the courts budget by requiring additional pay. The court brought on former judge Esther Tomljanovich to hear one of the current cases and was required to pay her "$96,320.70 salary pro-rated for how many days she works." With over 50% of Minnesota's judges holding a degree from the institution, the state and the University worry that the trend will continue. The court has yet to rule on either of the cases currently before it.

See also

• Minnesota Supreme Court