Docket
The official list of filings and events in a court case, usually shown in chronological order.
Plain-English Reference
Legal Glossary
Common terms you will see while reading Minnesota court dockets and public filings.
Core Terms
Filing
A document submitted to the court by a party, attorney, judge, or court staff.
Party
A person or organization directly involved in the case, such as a plaintiff, defendant, petitioner, or respondent.
Pro se
A person representing themselves in court without a lawyer.
Relief
What a party asks the court to order, such as money damages, dismissal, custody changes, or another legal remedy.
Service
The formal delivery of court papers to a party so they have notice of the case or filing.
Document Types
Motion
A formal request asking the judge to make a decision about something in the case.
Order
The judge's written decision or instruction on a specific issue.
Complaint
The document that starts a lawsuit — it explains what happened and what the person filing wants the court to do.
Answer
The defendant's written response to the complaint, admitting or denying each claim.
Affidavit
A sworn written statement that someone signs under penalty of perjury, used as evidence.
Summons
Official notice that a lawsuit has been filed, telling the person they must respond.
Notice
A formal notification to the court or other parties about a procedural event.
Stipulation
A written agreement between both sides on a specific fact or procedure.
Memorandum
A written argument that cites laws and past cases to support one side's position.
Brief
A written argument explaining one side's legal position and why they should win.
Judgment
The court's final decision that resolves the case or specific claims.
Petition
A formal written request asking the court to take a specific action.
Subpoena
A court order requiring someone to appear as a witness or hand over documents.
Warrant
A court order authorizing law enforcement to take a specific action, such as an arrest or search.
Plea
In a criminal case, the defendant's formal response to the charges — usually guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
Transcript
The official word-for-word written record of what was said during a court hearing.
Sentencing
The judge's decision on what punishment a convicted person will receive.
Copy Request
An administrative request for copies of court documents.
Certificate
An official document confirming a procedural step was completed.
Deposition
A written record of sworn testimony given outside of court.
Exhibit
A document or physical item submitted as evidence to support a party's argument.
Decision
The judge's ruling on a disputed issue, explaining the reasoning and outcome.
Letter
Correspondence between a party, attorney, or the court about a case matter.
Response
A written reply to a motion or other filing from the opposing side.
Reply
A follow-up brief responding to the opposing side's arguments against a motion.
Declaration
A written statement made under penalty of perjury, similar to an affidavit but not notarized.
Report
A document submitted to the court summarizing findings, often from a guardian ad litem or expert.
Common Events
Motion for Summary Judgment
One side is asking the judge to decide the case without a trial, arguing there are no factual disputes left to resolve.
Motion to Dismiss
One side is asking the judge to throw out the case (or specific claims) because they fail as a matter of law.
Motion to Compel
One side is asking the judge to force the other side to hand over documents or answer questions they've been refusing to provide.
Motion for Contempt
One side is asking the judge to find the other side in violation of a court order.
Motion for Protective Order
One side is asking the judge to limit what the other side can ask for in discovery, usually to protect privacy or trade secrets.
Motion for Continuance
One side is asking the judge to postpone a hearing or deadline.
Motion for Default Judgment
The plaintiff is asking the judge to rule in their favor because the defendant never responded to the lawsuit.
Motion in Limine
A pre-trial request asking the judge to exclude certain evidence from being shown to the jury.
Motion to Reconsider
One side is asking the judge to change a previous ruling, usually because of new evidence or a legal error.
Motion for Sanctions
One side is asking the judge to punish the other side for misconduct, such as destroying evidence or filing frivolous claims.
Motion to Suppress
In a criminal case, the defendant is asking to exclude evidence that was obtained illegally.
Motion to Amend
A request to change a previously filed document, such as adding new claims or correcting errors.
Default Judgment
The judge ruled in the plaintiff's favor because the defendant never showed up or responded.
Summary Judgment
The judge decided the case (or part of it) without a trial because the facts were not genuinely disputed.
Scheduling Order
The judge set the timeline for the case — when discovery ends, when motions are due, and when the trial will happen.
Temporary Restraining Order
An emergency order that temporarily prevents someone from doing something until a full hearing can be held.
Protective Order
A court order limiting how certain information can be shared or used, usually to protect privacy.
Status Conference
A meeting between the judge and attorneys to discuss how the case is progressing and set next steps.
Pretrial Conference
A meeting shortly before trial where the judge and attorneys finalize what evidence and witnesses will be presented.
Arraignment
The defendant's first court appearance where they hear the charges and enter a plea.
Sentencing Hearing
The hearing where the judge decides the punishment after a conviction or guilty plea.
Bail Hearing
A hearing to decide whether the defendant can be released before trial and under what conditions.
Preliminary Hearing
A hearing where the judge decides if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case.