2025 Session Last amended: 1998 session

§ 480.059 — Criminal Actions, Pleadings, Practice and Procedure

Plain-Language Summary

The Supreme Court has the power to create rules for criminal court procedures in all Minnesota courts. These rules cannot change people's actual legal rights. Before adopting criminal rules, the court must appoint an advisory committee of attorneys and judges and share proposed rules for public comment.

Practical Notes
The Minnesota Rules of Criminal Procedure come from this authority. Certain statutes cannot be overridden by court rules, including substantive criminal law in chapters 609, 617, and 624, rights of the accused, extradition laws, and habeas corpus laws. The court cannot adopt rules allowing non-unanimous jury verdicts in criminal cases.