Hennepin County
Named after Louis Hennepin, a 17th-century explorer, Hennepin County is the most populous county in Minnesota. Its county seat, Minneapolis, is also the most populated city in the state. As of the 2020 census, Hennepin County has a population of over 1.2 million. The county was formed in 1852 and has a land area of 554 square miles.
The 4th Judicial District Court is the only court in Hennepin County and is the largest trial court in Minnesota. It has eight divisions, with the criminal division further situated in four locations. The court handles criminal, probate, domestic, juvenile, civil, and housing cases. The Conciliation Court hears civil cases with claims under $7,500. The 4th Judicial District Court divisions are:
- Hennepin County District Court - Conciliation Court
- Hennepin County District Court - Civil Court
- Hennepin County District Court - Criminal Division
- Hennepin County District Court - Criminal Division 1 Government Center
- Hennepin County District Court - Criminal Division 1 Public Safety Facility
- Hennepin County District Court - Criminal Division 2 Brookdale
- Hennepin County District Court - Criminal Division 3 Ridgedale
- Hennepin County District Court - Family Court
- Hennepin County District Court - Housing Court
- Hennepin County District Court - Probate/Mental Health Court
- Hennepin County District Court - Juvenile Court
Hennepin County public court records consist of court filings, transcripts, legal proceedings, and judgments of the county's courts. Court clerks keep and maintain these records in compliance with state rules.
The Minnesota Judiciary provides access to these types of court records:
- Civil Records
- Criminal Records
- Traffic Records
- Family Law Records
- Probate Records
Members of the public can access Hennepin County public court records in any of the following ways:
- Online: The Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) allows anyone to freely search for non-confidential records using name, case number, citation number, or attorney
- Minnesota Public Access: Free computer access terminals at courthouses that can be used to search for detailed public court records in Hennepin County
- Copy request: Court records can be requested via mail or in person using the provided Copy Request Form
