As of Jan. 1, the state judicial branch will require all hearing and trial evidence to be uploaded into the Minnesota Digital Exhibit System.

Kim Pleticha, public affairs director with the judicial branch, said the change is in response to an increase in remote hearings.

“For the past three years, though, MNDES has been a pilot program, so its use was optional,” Pleticha said. “Now, as of Jan. 1, MNDES becomes mandatory for all cases statewide, so that means remote and in person.”

She said the change will streamline court proceedings.

“Everyone involved in the case, from the parties to the attorneys to the judges to the jury, will all have secured digital access to any exhibits uploaded in the case,” Pleticha said.

Formats that can be uploaded to MNDES include audio, video, images and documents. While not directly accessible to the public, judges and juries can view the information during court and jury deliberations.

“Over the past three years, we have found that MNDES provides a secure and consistent means for people to manage hearing and trial exhibits,” Minnesota Chief Justice Natalie Hudson said on the MJB’s website. “Just as we modernized electronic court filings, MNDES modernizes how we manage evidence in hearings.”

Related Articles

St. Paul’s homicides in 2024: Who was killed, where they happened and which remain unsolved

Shakopee prison inmate charged with a swindling scheme that netted her $60,000 in public aid

Hastings man who threatened to kill deputy police chief sentenced to 90 days in jail

An ex-police officer is convicted of lying about leaks to the Proud Boys leader

St. Paul man gets probation in copper wire theft case