Minnesota Court of Appeals

Key Minnesota Court of Appeals decisions with plain-language summaries.

The Minnesota Court of Appeals hears appeals from district court decisions. Its published opinions are binding on all district courts in Minnesota. Below are curated summaries of important Court of Appeals decisions that affect everyday legal issues.

The Court of Appeals has 19 judges who typically sit in three-judge panels. Most appeals from district court go to the Court of Appeals first. Published opinions create binding precedent; unpublished opinions do not, but may still be cited as persuasive authority.

For the full archive of recent opinions, visit the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

Thomas B. Olson & Associates v. Leffert, Jay & Polglaze

756 N.W.2d 907 (Minn. Ct. App. 2008)

Established the standard three-element test for breach of contract claims in Minnesota: formation of a contract, performance of conditions precedent by the plaintiff, and breach by the defendant.

Cimarron Village v. Washington

659 N.W.2d 811 (Minn. Ct. App. 2003)

Affirmed eviction of a tenant in federally subsidized housing under 26 USC § 42, holding that good cause existed based on numerous lease violations.

Bjergum v. Bjergum

392 N.W.2d 604 (Minn. Ct. App. 1986)

Addressed the standard for granting orders for protection under the Minnesota Domestic Abuse Act, holding that a petitioner must show a present threat of harm, not merely historical incidents of abuse.