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It may seem hard to believe, but Minnesota has not always had a building dedicated to the judiciary at the Capitol Complex. Today, the state's appellate courts and State Court Administration are housed in the Minnesota Judicial Center, but as recently as the mid-1980s, they were scattered all over the city of St. Paul. Last month, the Judicial Branch marked the building's 30th Anniversary.
The State Law Library participated in the celebrations by creating a companion exhibit and several posters that showcase the building's past and present. Library staff also created a digital exhibit that highlights the history, architecture, and construction of the Judicial Center.
 You can view the digital exhibit here: 30th Anniversary of the Minnesota Judicial Center - Library Research Guides at Minnesota State Law Library.
The Law Library's physical exhibit will be on display throughout the summer.
In this issue, we are highlighting some of our favorite resources on common property law issues.
Buying and Selling Real Estate
For individuals who are looking to buy or sell a home, the Minnesota Attorney General booklets Home Buyer's Handbook and Home Seller's Handbook are great resources. These booklets cover practical tips for buyers and sellers, including checklists and worksheets. The booklets also cover legal requirements for disclosures, laws around insurance, and details about mortgages and home loans. These booklets are available for free online, or if you want a print copy, you may be able to find a copy at your local law library.
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For a more in-depth analysis of Minnesota real estate law, Minnesota Residential Real Estate is one of our go-to resources. This treatise covers title and contract issues, zoning, nuisance, and easements. It also includes chapters on cooperative living and homeowners' associations and landlord-tenant law. This title is available in print at the State Law Library and can also be accessed through Lexis Digital Library. If you don't already have a Lexis Digital Library account, Ask a Librarian to help you get one.
The Minnesota Real Estate Purchase and Sale Deskbook from Minnesota CLE is another great resource for all issues related to buying and selling real estate. This treatise includes sample purchase agreements and discussion of the law around covenants, warranties, tax, insurance, title, and recording considerations. It also includes special chapters on commercial real estate, new construction, and lake property. You can access this resource in print at the State Law Library and at some county law libraries.
When you are ready to record a deed or transfer your property, take a look at the Minnesota Department of Commerce's Uniform Conveyance Blanks. These free PDF forms include sample documents for recording deeds, liens, encumbrances, and contracts for deeds.
For more resources on homeownership and real estate, visit our Homeowners/Real Estate Subject Guide.
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Neighbor Law Issues
Disputes involving property lines, trees, noise or trash are common issues that can arise among neighbors. The Nolo publication Neighbor Law is a great resource for these types of issues. Although it is not specific to Minnesota, it offers a plain-English guide to navigating neighbor disputes and general principles of nuisance law, tree law, fences, and hazardous conditions. This resource is available in print at the State Law Library and many county law libraries, and can also be accessed electronically by contacting us.
We have also created a subject guide covering common neighbor law issues that includes links to Minnesota-specific statutes and resources.
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Landlord/Tenant Issues
Approximately 25% of Minnesotans rent their homes. There are many organizations and resources that offer guidance on Landlord/Tenant issues. One of the best resources is the Education for Justice booklet Tenants' Rights in Minnesota. This booklet covers basics of lease agreements, maintenance disputes, privacy, eviction, and ending a lease. You can also read this booklet in Spanish, Hmong, or Somali.
For renters in public housing, A Guide to Public Housing in Minnesota is also an excellent resource on the specific laws that govern public housing.
Both of these booklets are available online for free or in print at the State Law Library and many county law libraries.
For additional landlord/tenant resources, visit our Landlord and Tenant Subject Guide.
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The use of AI has expanded exponentially over the last couple of years. Although AI can be helpful for some tasks, there are risks with relying on AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini when researching legal issues or drafting legal documents. We've gathered some articles that discuss the use of AI in legal research and offer some guidance on the pitfalls to avoid.
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As a reminder, the State Law Library is closed on all court holidays. Upcoming closures include:
- Thursday, June 19 - Juneteenth
- Friday, July 4 - Independence Day
- Monday, September 1 - Labor Day
Clinic Date Change
Please note that due to the Juneteenth holiday, our June Appeals Self-Help Clinic has been rescheduled to June 26.
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Minnesota State Law Library
Room G25, Minnesota Judicial Center, 25 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155
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