The North Dakota Supreme Court announced on May 19 the adoption and amendment of several court rules, affecting mediation fees, guardianship procedures, magistrate qualifications, judicial education, use of artificial intelligence, and bar examination standards.
These changes are significant for legal professionals and the public as they address a range of topics central to court operations in North Dakota. The notice was issued under N.D.R.Proc.R. ยง 7.
Among the actions taken, the Supreme Court adopted an order regarding mediation fee waivers or reductions contained in North Dakota Rules of Court 8.1 and North Dakota Rules of Appellate Procedure 5. The Court also adopted Administrative Rule 59.1 concerning the Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship.
Further amendments include changes to Administrative Rule 20 on magistrates’ qualifications, authority, education, and procedures as well as Rule 36 relating to judicial branch education. The Supreme Court also adopted Administrative Order 36 governing the use of generative artificial intelligence within its operations.
Additionally, there is a recommendation from the Board of Law Examiners to adopt a passing score for the NextGen Uniform Bar Examination along with proposed amendments to Admission to Practice Rules 6, 7, and 13.
The adoption and amendment of these rules reflect ongoing efforts by the judiciary to update practices in response to new challenges such as advances in technology and evolving standards for legal professionals.
