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In this issue, we are focusing on some of our favorite resources for finding civil litigation forms. One of the best places to start in looking for forms is the courts' website. Minnesota Courts publish a wide variety of forms for different types of cases that have been approved for use by the court. For those situations where you can't find a form published by the courts, the following resources may be helpful to consult.
Lexis Digital Library Treatises
Pirsig on Minnesota Pleading is a favorite of librarians. This resource covers general information about drafting complaints and answers for civil cases, but it also offers sample language for dozens of case types. You will find examples of complaints for contracts, negligence, partition, mechanics' liens, libel, medical malpractice, and many more. The volume also contains sample language for defenses, objections, and summary judgment motions.
Minnesota Civil Practice is another treatise that contains a wealth of information on civil litigation. This treatise provides guidance on every step of a civil suit from filing the initial complaint through appeals. Forms are included in every chapter.
Pirsig and Minnesota Civil Practice are available in print at the State Law Library, but you can also access these treatises through Lexis Digital Library. If you do not already have an account for Lexis Digital Library, simply contact us and ask us to create an account for you.
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Minnesota Practice Series
The Minnesota Practice Series is another multi-volume treatise that we regularly rely on, and the Civil Practice Forms volumes are particularly useful for anyone involved in a civil lawsuit. The volumes are arranged according to the Rules of Civil Procedure and contain multiple sample forms for each rule. Many of the examples also contain language tailored for different case types.
Elements of an Action is another set in the Minnesota Practice Series that offers practical guidance for a variety of different civil claims. Each chapter sets out the elements and defenses for each claim, but also includes sample complaints, answers, and other documents. You can find chapters for civil actions including negligence, employment, libel, and many others.
Minnesota Practice is available in print at the State Law Library and is also accessible through Westlaw. If you can't visit the library to access the print or Westlaw, we may be able to email you individual forms on request.
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Litigation Forms Deskbook
The Minnesota Litigation Forms Deskbook from Minnesota CLE provides more than 130 forms for all stages of civil litigation. In addition to form templates you can use, the deskbook also contains discussions of the law surrounding each form. You will also find drafting tips, practice tips, and civil litigation checklists. This resource covers every stage of litigation, including complaints, discovery, motion practice, trial, and appeals.
The Minnesota Litigation Forms Deskbook is available in print at the State Law Library. We also have access to digital versions of the forms. If you are looking for court forms, contact our Ask a Librarian service and let us help!
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The State Law Library will be hosting the traveling exhibit "100 Years After the Indian Citizenship Act: The Continuing Struggle to Guarantee Voting Rights to Native Americans" in June. The exhibit examines the unique challenges Native American voters have faced and continue to face in voting in elections. The Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, the Nationality Act of 1940, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 will all be covered in this multi-panel exhibit.
Visit the State Law Library from June 10 to 21, 2024 to view the exhibit and learn more about Native American voting rights.
Most of us rely on the internet for many aspects of our work, including keeping up to date with articles about the law. But it can be incredibly frustrating to read legal news when every website and blog seems to be overrun with flashing ads, popups, and other digital clutter. Reader Mode offers an easy solution to cut down on these distractions. Each of the most common browsers offers a Reader Mode that removes the ads and extras from a website and provides a reformatted and easier-to-read page that will help you better focus.
Enabling Reader Mode is simple. For Firefox, if a page is available in reader view, a Reader Icon will appear in the URL bar (it looks like a page of text). You can also press the F9 key on your keyboard.
Microsoft Edge will also display an icon in the URL bar if Reader Mode is available. In Edge, the icon looks like an open book. Alternatively, simply press the F9 key on your keyboard.
If you use the Chrome browser, you can download a free extension to assist with Reader Mode through the Chrome Web Store. There is also a built in Reading Mode option you can access through the "More Tools" menu, but it may not work for every website.
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