Precedential Opinions

Under Minn. Rule of Civil Appellate Procedure 136.01, the Court of Appeals issues a precedential opinion (formerly called "published opinions") only to clarify or develop the law. In deciding whether to issue a precedential opinion, the court considers multiple factors listed in Minn. R. Civ. App. P. 136.01, subd. (1)(b), including whether the case establishes a new principle or rule of law, clarifies existing case law, decides a novel issue involving a constitutional provision, statute, administrative rule or rule of court, or resolves a significant or recurring legal issue. Precedential opinions will be considered and used by courts faced with similar issues in the future, and they are published in books of caselaw found in most law libraries. Under Minn. R. Civ. App. P. 128.02, subd. 1(f), parties may advise the court whether a precedential opinion would be helpful.

DECISIONS OF THE COURT OF APPEALS
FILED MONDAY, JUNE 1, 2026

A25-1257 In the Matter of the Application of Anthony Allen Jessie Garnett for a Change of Name.
Carlton County District Court, Hon. Eric Hylden.
A patient in the Minnesota Sex Offender Program (MSOP) who is housed in the secure treatment facility at Moose Lake is not confined “in a correctional facility” for the purpose of Minn. Stat. § 259.12 (2024).
Reversed and remanded. Judge Elise Larson.

A25-1640 Fabyanske Westra Hart & Thomson PA, Appellant, vs. Western National Mutual Insurance Company, Respondent.
Hennepin County District Court, Hon. Karen A. Janisch.
A conflict of interest entitling an insured to independent counsel exists when the insurer defends under a reservation of rights and the facts to be determined in the underlying action are the same facts upon which coverage depends.
Reversed and remanded. Judge Elise Larson.

A25-1652 Duane Charles Hippe, Jr., Respondent, vs. Dakota County Sheriff Joe Leko, Appellant.
Dakota County District Court, Hon. Judge Matthew Schmidt.
A felony conviction that is a “crime of violence” under Minnesota Statutes section 624.712, subdivision 5 (2024), renders the convicted person ineligible to possess a firearm pursuant to section 624.713, subdivision 1(2) (2024), notwithstanding that the conviction is deemed to be for a gross misdemeanor per section 609.13, subdivision 1(1) (2016).
Reversed. Judge Keala C. Ede.

Court of Appeals Opinions