At Brownstone Law, we specialize in appellate litigation, providing exceptional representation to clients navigating North Dakota’s appellate court system and federal district courts. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to delivering meticulous and effective advocacy to achieve the best possible outcomes.

North Dakota Appellate Court System Overview

North Dakota’s judicial system comprises several tiers:

  • North Dakota Supreme Court: As the state’s highest court, it reviews appeals from lower courts, interprets state laws, and ensures uniform application of justice. The court consists of one Chief Justice and four Justices, each serving ten-year terms.
  • North Dakota Court of Appeals: Established in 1987, this intermediate appellate court is convened on a case-by-case basis when the Supreme Court deems it necessary. It has heard a limited number of cases since its inception and remains largely dormant.

Caseload and Statistics

The North Dakota Supreme Court manages a substantial caseload annually. According to the 2024 Annual Report, the court received numerous filings and disposed of a significant number of cases, reflecting its critical role in the state’s judiciary. Detailed statistics can be found in the North Dakota Courts Annual Report.

Rules of Appellate Procedure

Appeals in North Dakota are governed by the North Dakota Rules of Appellate Procedure. These rules outline procedures for filing appeals, including timelines, formatting requirements for briefs, and guidelines for oral arguments. Adherence to these rules is essential for the successful progression of an appeal.

Process for Appealing a Case

  1. Notice of Appeal: File a notice of appeal with the clerk of the trial court within the prescribed timeframe after the judgment or order.
  2. Preparation of the Record: Compile the record on appeal, including transcripts and relevant documents, to be submitted to the appellate court.
  3. Briefs: The appellant submits an initial brief outlining legal arguments and alleged errors in the trial court’s decision. The appellee responds with their brief, and the appellant may file a reply brief if necessary.
  4. Oral Argument: In some cases, the court may schedule oral arguments, allowing attorneys to present their positions and answer judges’ questions.
  5. Decision: After reviewing the materials and arguments, the court issues a written opinion, which may affirm, reverse, or remand the case.

High-Profile Cases

North Dakota’s appellate courts have presided over several notable cases. For detailed information on specific high-profile cases, consulting legal databases and news archives is recommended.

Contact Information

North Dakota Supreme Court

North Dakota Court of Appeals

  • Note: The Court of Appeals convenes as needed; inquiries can be directed to the Supreme Court’s contact information above.

Federal District Courts in North Dakota

Federal cases in North Dakota are heard in the United States District Court for the District of North Dakota, which holds sessions in multiple locations:

  • Bismarck Division
    • Address: US Courthouse, 220 E Rosser Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501
    • Phone: (701) 530-2300
  • Fargo Division
    • Address: Quentin N. Burdick U.S. Courthouse, 655 1st Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102
    • Phone: (701) 297-7000
  • Website: U.S. District Court – District of North Dakota

Brownstone Law: Your Appellate Advocates

At Brownstone Law, we are dedicated to guiding clients through the complexities of the appellate process in North Dakota. Our team of experienced attorneys is committed to providing exceptional representation, ensuring that your case is presented with the utmost precision and expertise.