On Friday, April 29, the Blue Earth County Justice Center in Mankato will open its doors to the public as part of a Law Day “Open Courthouse” event designed to showcase the work of
Minnesota’s Fifth Judicial District, and educate students and the public about the role of judges, attorneys, law enforcement, and citizens in administering Minnesota’s justice system. The public and media are invited to attend the event, which runs from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Open Courthouse event will feature numerous activities, including:
- A special visit from Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Natalie Hudson;
- An opportunity to meet local district court judges and justice system partners;
- Guided “behind-the-scenes” tours of the Blue Earth County Justice Center, with presentations by judges, court staff, prosecutors, public defenders, and local law enforcement.
- An information fair with representatives from numerous law- and justice-related organizations.
- Information on free and low-cost legal services available to the public.
The Open Courthouse event is scheduled to coincide with Law Day, a national day set aside to celebrate the rule of law. Law Day underscores how law and the legal process have contributed to the freedoms that all Americans share. Law Day was first established in 1958 through a proclamation by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Congress passed a joint resolution designating May 1 as Law Day, U.S.A. in 1961.
The Law Day Open Courthouse event is being hosted by Minnesota’s Fifth Judicial District in partnership with Blue Earth County and local justice system partners.