2018 Hennepin County Open Courthouse Event

Visitors to the Hennepin County “Open Courthouse” event in Minneapolis on September 21 will have the opportunity to receive free, one-on-one legal assistance through the walk-in Self-Help Center. 

The Self-Help Center has computers with access to online resources such as tools to fill out court forms, "how-to" videos, and tutorials that are available on a first-come first-served basis. Other services include:

• Court forms and written instructions (some fees may apply)
• Brief legal advice from volunteer attorneys
• One-on-one help to learn court procedures
• One-on-one review of your court forms
• Referrals to community resources and legal services
• Staff speak English, Somali, Spanish and American Sign Language

The Open Courthouse event will include an information fair with representatives from numerous law- and justice-related organizations, including:

• Minnesota Judicial Branch Self-Help Center
• Minnesota Judicial Branch Specialty Courts

• Hennepin County Department of Community Corrections and Rehabilitation
• Hennepin County Probation
• Minnesota Guardians ad Litem
• Minneapolis City Attorney's Office
• Hennepin County Law Library
• Legal Aid
• Hennepin County Sheriff's Office
• Hennepin County Attorney's Office
• Office of the Hennepin County Public Defender
• Minnesota State Bar Association
• Hennepin County District Court
• Hennepin County Bar Association

Information tables will be located on the Skyway Level of the Hennepin County Government Center.

On Friday, September 21, the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis will open its doors to the public as part of a Constitution Day “Open Courthouse” event. The event is being held to showcase the work of Minnesota’s courts, and educate the public about the work of judges, attorneys, law enforcement, and citizens in administering the state’s justice system. The free, open-to-the public event, will run from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
 
The Open Courthouse event will feature numerous activities, including:

• A special short welcoming presentation featuring local judges and justices from the Minnesota Supreme Court.
• An opportunity to meet local district court judges and justice system partners.
• Self-guided “behind-the-scenes” tours of Hennepin County District Court, with presentations by judges.
• Free, one-on-one legal assistance will be provided through the walk-in Self-Help Center in the Government Center.
• An information fair with representatives from numerous law- and justice-related organizations.
• Information on legal resources and other services available in the community.               

The Open Courthouse event is scheduled to coincide with Constitution Day, a federal day of observance during which Americans reflect on the rights and freedoms granted to them through the signing of the United States Constitution. 
 
The Constitution Day Open Courthouse event is being hosted by Minnesota’s Fourth Judicial District in partnership with Hennepin County and local justice partners.

12:30 p.m.
Welcoming Ceremony (Reflection Pool, Skyway Level)

The welcoming ceremony will be held near the reflection pool on the Skyway Level of the Hennepin County Government Center. The event will feature remarks by Minnesota Supreme Court justice David L. Lillehaug and Fourth District Chief Judge Ivy S. Bernhardson.
 

12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Free Legal Assistance Available Through Self-Help Center

Visitors to the Hennepin County “Open Courthouse” event in Minneapolis on September 21 will have the opportunity to receive free, one-on-one legal assistance. The legal assistance will be provided through the walk-in Self-Help Center in the Government Center. 
 

1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Self-Guided Tours with Presentations by judges

The public is invited take self-guided tours of the C-Tower of the Hennepin County Government Center anytime between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. 
In courtroom C-657 on the 6th floor of the C-Tower, Hennepin County judges will lead half-hour presentations on the Fourth Judicial District and the Minnesota Judicial Branch throughout the afternoon.
Participants are invited to tour the Hennepin County Law Library, on the 24th floor of the C-Tower. The law library provides materials related to practicing law, including books, journals and electronic databases. More information »
 

1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Information Fair (Skyway Level)

Visitors can take a self-guided walk through an information fair designed to showcase the work of many of the justice partners in the local community, share legal resources available to the public, and highlight new advancements in criminal justice and court technology being implemented across the state.

1:00 - 4:00 PM  Self-guided Courthouse Tours and Presentations

The public is invited take self-guided tours of the C-Tower of the Hennepin County Government Center, with stops including a courtroom where judges will lead presentations about the justice system.
Throughout the afternoon, judges and administrators in courtroom C-657 on the 6th floor of the C-Tower will lead half-hour presentations about the Fourth Judicial District and the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Presentations will begin at the following times. Line up outside the courtroom 5-10 minutes before the start time to join the next presentation. 

• 1:00-1:30 p.m.
• 1:30-2:00 p.m.
• 2:00-2:30 p.m.
• 2:30-3:00 p.m.
• 3:00-3:30 p.m.
• 3:30-4:00 p.m.

The Hennepin County Government Center is located at 300 South 6th Street in Minneapolis.

Please note: The Hennepin County Courthouse is a secured building, and all visitors are subject to screening before entering. 

More information on parking, transit, and security & weapons screening »