United States District Court for the District of Minnesota
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- The court's primary courthouses are located in Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
- Most appeals from this court are heard by the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
- The role of Chief Judge rotates based on seniority and age requirements (under 65 to start, term ends at 70).
The United States District Court for the District of Minnesota (cited as D. Minn.) serves as the federal district court with jurisdiction over the state of Minnesota. This court handles federal civil and criminal litigation, ensuring the application of federal law within the state's borders.
Courthouse Locations
The court operates primarily out of two major hubs in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. However, to ensure accessibility across the state, cases are also heard in federal courthouses located in:
- Duluth (Gerald W. Heaney Federal Building, United States Courthouse and Custom House)
- Fergus Falls (Edward J. Devitt U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building)
- Winona
- Mankato
- Bemidji
Appellate Process
Decisions and appeals from the District of Minnesota are generally directed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. There are specific exceptions to this rule: patent claims and claims against the U.S. government under the Tucker Act are appealed directly to the Federal Circuit.
The United States Attorney
The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Minnesota is responsible for representing the federal government in both civil and criminal litigation within the court. A notable figure in the office's history is Cushman K. Davis, who transitioned from U.S. attorney to become the governor of Minnesota and a member of the United States Senate. As of October 10, 2025, the U.S. attorney is Daniel Rosen.
Administration and the Chief Judge
The administration of the district court is led by the Chief Judge. Unlike the Supreme Court, the position of chief judge is not a direct nomination but rotates among the district court judges based on seniority and specific eligibility criteria. To qualify, a judge must:
- Have been in active service on the court for at least one year.
- Be under the age of 65.
- Not have previously served as chief judge.
The chief judge typically serves a term of seven years or until they reach the age of 70, whichever comes first. These rules have been in place since October 1, 1982, ensuring a structured transition of administrative leadership.
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Where are the primary courthouses for the District of Minnesota located?
The primary courthouses are located in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, with additional hearings held in Duluth, Fergus Falls, Winona, Mankato, and Bemidji.
Who does the United States Attorney represent in this court?
The United States Attorney represents the United States government in both civil and criminal litigation.
Which court hears appeals from the District of Minnesota?
Most appeals are taken to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, though patent and Tucker Act claims go to the Federal Circuit.