News Item
REMINDER: Public invited to celebrate Constitution Day at Sherburne County “Open Courthouse” event

Posted: Friday, November 15, 2019

Detailed event schedule released
On Friday, November 22, the Sherburne County Government Center in Elk River will host a Constitution Day “Open Courthouse” event designed to showcase the work of Minnesota’s courts, and educate the public about the work of judges, attorneys, law enforcement, and Sherburne County departments in administering the state’s justice system and county government.  The public and media are invited to attend the event, which runs from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
 
The Open Courthouse event will feature numerous activities for visitors.  A detailed schedule of events for the November 22 event is provided below:
 
[1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.] Kickoff Event
 
Minnesota Supreme Court Associate Justice Paul Thissen and Sherburne County District Court Judge Brianne Buccicone will host a special welcome presentation.
 
[1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.] Information Fair with County and Justice Partners
 
Visitors can tour information fair booths that will showcase the work of many of the county and justice system partners in the local community and share resources available to the public.  A full list of information fair participants is available at www.mncourts.gov/sherburneopencourthouse.
 
[1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.] Mock Trial Exercise
 
Visitors will join Sherburne County District Court Judge Mary Yunker in a courtroom for a mock trial demonstration.
 
[1:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.] Guided Tours of the Sherburne County Government Center
 
Visitors will be guided through the Government Center during tours that begin at 1:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.  Tours will begin on the first floor.
 
[1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.] Jury Information Sessions with a Judge and Members of the Jury Team
 
Visitors can learn more about the role of a juror and how jurors are selected, and have an opportunity to ask questions of a judge and members of the jury team.
 
[1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.] Self-Help Services Available
 
Staff from the Tenth Judicial District Self-Help Center will be on hand to assist visitors who may need forms and legal resources.
 
[1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.] Legal Advice Clinics
 
Central Minnesota Legal Services will have attorneys available to provide short legal advice consultations.
 
[1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.] Meet a Judge and Judge Team
 
Visitors will have an opportunity to visit with a judge and a judge team, including a court reporter.
 
[1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.] Presentation of Jury Orientation Video (The video will be shown every 15 minutes starting at 1:30 p.m.)
 
Visitors will be able to view the State of Minnesota Jury Orientation Video that had a portion filmed in the Sherburne County Judicial Services Building.
 
More information about the event is available at www.mncourts.gov/sherburneopencourthouse.
 
The Constitution Day Open Courthouse event is being hosted by Sherburne County District Court in partnership with Sherburne County and local justice partners.
The Sherburne County Government Center in Elk River is located at 13880 Business Ctr. Dr. NW. There is public parking in the lot located adjacent to the building.