Public Affairs & Outreach
Go to Hennepin County District Court News & Notices.
The Office of Public Affairs is responsible for internal and external communications activities of Hennepin County District Court. Communications efforts include: media relations, including high profile cases and cameras in the courtroom responding to public inquiries; website information; coordinating Community Outreach Initiatives, and monitoring the Minnesota Legislature.
Please contact the Public Affairs staff with your communications requests.
For more information about camera use Hennepin County Court locations, please read the Memorandum of Understanding Governing the Usage of Cameras and Recording Devices in Fourth District Court Facilities (pdf).
Speakers Bureau
Judges and court staff speak at schools, legal associations and other community organizations to help educate about the judiciary and court processes.
Community Events
To help educate and ensure access to court services, the Fourth District participates in several community events that reach out to families and children, communities of color and lower-income individuals.
Mock Trial Tournaments
Students throughout the state experience a mock trial in Hennepin County Government Center courtrooms.
Observe Court — Free & Open to the Public
Most court proceedings are open to the public on a first come, first served basis during regular business hours. High school students meet the recommended minimum age appropriate for observing court. Please refer to Rule 2.01(a) of the General Rules of Practice for questions about acceptable courtroom behavior. For more information, contact Public Affairs.
Judicial Ride-Alongs
Community members get an inside look into the courts and being a judge with this unique opportunity to "shadow" a judge.
For assistance with Speakers Bureau, Community Events, Court Tours and Judicial Ride-Alongs contact Bonney Bowman at (612) 540-5219.
The Office of Public Affairs is responsible for internal and external communications activities of Hennepin County District Court. Communications efforts include: media relations, including high profile cases and cameras in the courtroom responding to public inquiries; website information; coordinating Community Outreach Initiatives, and monitoring the Minnesota Legislature.
Please contact the Public Affairs staff with your communications requests.
- Procedures for Viewing / Obtaining Filed Exhibits
- Request for Public Data Online Form
- To request data about a court other than the Hennepin County District Court, please visit the Data Request Help Topic.
Send an email via our contact form
Bonney Bowman, Communications Manager
Phone: (612) 540-5219
Matt Lehman, Communications Specialist
Phone: (612) 540-7939
Mike Valleau, Legislative Liaison
Phone: (612) 596-7478
Cameras in the Courtroom
Cameras in Minnesota Courts: Rules & InstructionsFor more information about camera use Hennepin County Court locations, please read the Memorandum of Understanding Governing the Usage of Cameras and Recording Devices in Fourth District Court Facilities (pdf).
Court History Museum
With the help of Fourth District judges and court staff, Hennepin County District Court now offers a Court History Museum depicting major historical events that have occurred in the county. From groundbreaking cases to courageous judges, this museum allows the public to view some of the most interesting and impactful history in Hennepin County. The banners and other court related artifacts are available to view in person on the skyway level of the Government Center.
Community Outreach Initiatives
Engaging and educating the community — all community members are invited to learn about the judges, court initiatives and news of the Fourth Judicial District. Explore the different ways schools, neighborhood associations, faith-based organizations and concerned citizens can learn more about the judiciary.Speakers Bureau
Judges and court staff speak at schools, legal associations and other community organizations to help educate about the judiciary and court processes.
Community Events
To help educate and ensure access to court services, the Fourth District participates in several community events that reach out to families and children, communities of color and lower-income individuals.
Mock Trial Tournaments
Students throughout the state experience a mock trial in Hennepin County Government Center courtrooms.
Observe Court — Free & Open to the Public
Most court proceedings are open to the public on a first come, first served basis during regular business hours. High school students meet the recommended minimum age appropriate for observing court. Please refer to Rule 2.01(a) of the General Rules of Practice for questions about acceptable courtroom behavior. For more information, contact Public Affairs.
Judicial Ride-Alongs
Community members get an inside look into the courts and being a judge with this unique opportunity to "shadow" a judge.
For assistance with Speakers Bureau, Community Events, Court Tours and Judicial Ride-Alongs contact Bonney Bowman at (612) 540-5219.