Courts

Judges learn it's human to have feelings on bench
A recent courtroom incident quickly went viral. But for a few dozen new federal judges, it became a lesson in finding ways to acknowledge they experience a range of feelings on the bench and to channel them appropriately.
Some county sheriffs around the country have announced that they will not enforce new federal gun laws that they feel are unconstitutional. One of them is the sheriff in Minnesota's Pine County, Robin Cole. Sheriff Cole explained his position to Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer.
Judge orders Last Place on Earth to pay for cost of policing
A St. Louis County judge has ordered the controversial Duluth headshop Last Place on Earth to pay for police presence outside its downtown storefront.
Accidental child shootings: Parents rarely prosecuted
As the case of an accidental shooting death of a 2-year-old boy rests in the hands of the Hennepin County Attorney, an MPR News analysis of state court data shows that prosecuting parents for leaving guns around kids is rare, but not unprecedented in Minnesota.
Gun laws show difficulty of stemming violent acts
One early focus of new gun regulations by President Barack Obama and some lawmakers would reinstate a federal ban on assault weapons, a law widely regarded as imperfect.
Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek was among a group of law enforcement officials that met with Vice President Joe Biden to talk about gun violence on Thursday.
Dozens of gun owners responded to an inquiry into what they thought should be the legislative reaction to the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary. Some said a ban on "assault weapons" would be ineffective, while others said there should be a ban. Yet others said teachers should be allowed to carry weapons at school.
Minn. college coach cleared in porn case off leave
A Minnesota college football coach cleared by a judge of child porn charges stemming from cellphone video of his naked children is no longer on administrative leave, but hasn't yet been reinstated atop the program.