Due to a computer snafu, our downloads are much fewer than thought.  I am considering closing down the podcast for lack of interest.  If you are a regular listener, especially if you live in MN, I would like to hear from you, positive or negative.  Thanks.

stephen.halsey@courts.state.mn.us

Washington County (MN) Judge Greg Galler discusses how sentencing a defendant to pay restitution to the victim for their damages or loss is intended to "restore" the victim, if possible, to where they were before the crime.  Duration is about 4-1/2 minutes.

Renville County (MN) District Court Judge Randall Slieter reads an article by Dakota County District Court Judge Edward Lynch about what you need to know about your Minnesota courts.  Duration is 6 minutes.

Renville County Judge Randall Slieter discusses the calculation and establishment of child support orders, order enforcement and collection in Minnesota.  Duration is about 7 minutes.

Within minutes after the verdict was announced in the Casey Anthony trial, media pundits were asking the question, "Did the jury get it right?"  Wright County District Court Judge Steve Halsey discusses the jury process, the dangers of observers rushing to judgment, and whether a more appropriate question is "Did the jury do its duty?"  Duration is 8.5 minutes. Music courtesy of Pat Donohue.

The tragic events in Tucson and past assaults on judges are reminders that our freedoms are preserved only when the halls of justice are safe for judges, attorneys, litigants, court staff, and the public.  Wright County District Court Judge Steve Halsey reads an article written by Washington County District Court Judge Greg Galler on judicial security.  Duration is about 7 minutes.  Music courtesy of Pat Donohue.

Wright County District Court is embarking on a process of referral of family court custody, parenting time and divorce cases to early neutral evaluation (ENE).  This podcast is a meeting with family lawyers to introduce the process and answer questions.  Duration is about 44 Minutes. Music courtesy of Pat Donohue.

Minnesota State Government faces a possible shutdown after June 30, 2011.  This includes the courts.  This is the result of an impasse between the MN Legislature and Governor.  Wright County District Court Judge Steve Halsey asks the question, "What part of justice should we stop doing?"  Thousands of citizens will be affected by a shutdown.  The courts are already making plans for this occurence.  Duration is about 8.5 minutes. Music is courtesy of Pat Donohue.

Unrepresented litigants frequently ask the presiding judge in court,"Do I really need a lawyer?"  Judges ethically cannot give legal advice, so they cannot give the question a definite answer.  Wright County (MN) District Court Judge Steve Halsey discusses 10 reasons a litigant should consider consulting a lawyer before going into court without a lawyer.  Duration is about 8 minutes.  Music is courtesy of Pat Donohue, a MN guitarist.

NOTHING DISCUSSED BY JUDGES IN THESE PODCASTS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED LEGAL ADVICE.

Renville County (MN) District Court Judge Randall Slieter discusses four of the common philosophical goals of criminal sentencing: deterence, incarceration, treatment, and restoration.  Duration is about 9 minutes.