Remote and In-Person Hearings, Rules of Decorum, Alternative Methods of Presenting Evidence

(a) Decorum: The judge or judicial officer shall assure the decorum and orderliness of any hearing held pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, chapter 253B or 253D . The judge or judicial officer shall afford to respondent an opportunity to be dressed in conformity with the dignity of court appearances. (b) Hearing Format: All hearings under these rules shall be conducted using remote technology ("remotely"), in-person, or in a hybrid format as provided by Judicial Council Policy and the presiding judge or judicial officer. (c) Appearances: Those appearing at a hearing must do so in the manner required by Judicial Council Policy, unless granted an exception pursuant to policy or as follows: (1) Respondent. At any hearing, the court may permit respondent to waive their appearance, or excuse respondent, as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 253B.08, subdivision 5. (2) Respondent's Counsel. If respondent is physically present in the courtroom, respondent's counsel shall be present with respondent unless there is prior court approval for respondent's counsel to appear remotely. Respondent's counsel is not required to be physically present with respondent when respondent is appearing remotely. (3) Examiner. If the hearing is in-person or a hybrid, a court examiner may directly request court approval to appear and/or testify remotely. (4) Witnesses. If the hearing is in-person or a hybrid, a party may request court approval to have a witness testify remotely. The request must be filed with the court and served on the opposing party at least 24 hours before the hearing. The requesting party must provide the opposing party's counsel with sufficient information to contact the witness in advance of the hearing. (d) Attorney-Client Communication: During the hearing, the judge or judicial officer shall ensure that respondent is given a reasonable opportunity to speak privately with counsel. (e) This rule does not supersede Minnesota Statutes, sections 595.02 to 595.08 (competency and privilege). (Amended effective March 1, 2009; amended effective January 1, 2010; amended effective September 18, 2013; amended effective July 1, 2015; amended effective July 1, 2026.)