Minnesotans can get a rare close-up look at Minnesota’s highest court on Mar. 18 and 25, 2012, with the broadcast of “Justice Matters: Cases That Shaped History and the Law,” a 2006 television documentary about the Minnesota Supreme Court.  The program, which will air on public television stations throughout the state, was a co-production of the Minnesota Judicial Branch and TPT-Minnesota Channel.

The one-hour program focuses on three cases that illustrate the role the court plays in our justice system, and the widespread impact of many of its decisions. It also features justices talking about how the court operates, and the personal challenges of sitting on the state’s highest court.
The cases involve the lawsuit against Phillip Morris brought by the State of Minnesota that has had worldwide implications in the debate about what governments can and should do about the harmful affects of smoking cigarettes; the election ballot dispute that occurred following the death of Sen. Paul Wellstone less than two weeks before an election that could determine the balance of power in the U.S. Senate; and the murder case that led to the requirement that in-custody interrogations must be recorded, a decision that has rippled across the United States.

“Justice Matters” will air on the TPT Minnesota Channel: (might require some searching for your local station and times)

Sunday, Mar. 18, 2012, at 11 p.m.
Sunday, Mar. 25, 2012, at 5 a.m.
Sunday, Mar. 25, 2012, at 11 a.m.
Sunday, Mar. 25, 2012, at 5 p.m.

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