Supreme/Appeals Court

For this research service, Library Staff will search for one specific court case heard by the Minnesota State Supreme Court and/or Court of Appeals and send a copy of the case file's full contents.

Price
$5 - For an index search for a case file number (1850-1992)
$25 - For scan of a case, if case file number is provided (1850-1992)

Digital delivery via email and scanning fees are included in the price
MNHS Members receive 10% discount at checkout

Processing fee
The price of this service includes a non-refundable processing fee of $5. This is not an additional charge; however, if your order is cancelled for any reason, the Minnesota Historical Society will retain that amount.

Turnaround time
Research is usually completed and sent within three to four weeks. In some circumstances it may take as long as twelve weeks.

About This Research Service
The Minnesota Supreme Court and Court of Appeals are appellate courts that hear appeals regarding decisions of lower trial courts, specifically the Minnesota District Courts. MNHS holds case files from the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals dating from 1850 through 1992. To access more recent case files, researchers should contact the Clerk of Appellate Courts.

Case files from the Supreme and Appellate Courts may include the following:

• Briefs
• Arguments detailing the legal basis of the appeal
• Case records
• Transcripts of testimony
• Exhibits

Each case is identified by a unique case file number (not the North West Reporter number) that is required to identify and access it. If you do not have the case file number, staff can conduct an index search for the years 1851-1981, just follow the options during the ordering process. When we’ve provided the index number, then you may order the full case file request.

For More Information
Court Records Research Guide (Supreme and Appeals Courts page)