Courts

House passes restrictions on eminent domain
The Minnesota House has overwhelmingly approved a sweeping revision of the state's eminent domain law. The measure would tightly control when local government officials could seize private property.
Edina Realty sues for top spot on Google
Two Twin Cities real estate companies are in a legal fight with implications for the future of advertising on the Internet. Edina Realty is suing relative newcomer TheMLSOnline.com for trademark infringement and unfair competition. The dispute is over how the newer company uses an increasingly important advertising medium: Internet search engines.
Has gay marriage changed Massachusetts?
Gay couples in Massachusetts say allowing gay marriage in that state has strengthened their relationships. They say gay marriage has done little to change the lives of others. But opposition to the issue remains.
Legal experts doubt Minnesota Supreme Court would overturn marriage ban
Opponents of gay marriage say a constitutional amendment defining marriage is necessary because they worry Minnesota's Supreme Court would overturn a decades-old ruling banning same-sex marriage. Several legal experts doubt that scenario.
Taking Legal Aid on the road to Hennepin County Medical Center
Legal aid lawyers have opened a clinic at the Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) to help those who need legal assistance. The idea is that people who are at HCMC probably have more than a few emergencies in their lives and could use some help navigating the legal system.
St. Paul bars sue to stop smoking ban
Several St. Paul bars are asking a judge to stop the implementation of the city's smoking ban, which is due to go into effect at the end of March. Several bars have hired attorney Pat O'Neill, who talked with MPR's Cathy Wurzer.
Still smoking in St. Louis County
St. Louis County will give state lawmakers another chance to ban smoking in restaurants and bars, before taking on the issue county-wide.
U.S. Attorney Tom Heffelfinger resigns
Two weeks after presenting the findings of a school shooting investigation that may define his term as Minnesota's top prosecutor, Tom Heffelfinger announced Tuesday that he will step down at the end of the month to return to private practice.
The use of DNA evidence has revolutionized the way crimes are solved and prosecuted, but the growing use of DNA databases could have broad implications for personal privacy.
Questioning by the Senate Judiciary committee continues through the day in what's expected to be the final round.