(DETROIT LAKES, MINN) – A Becker County judge has ruled that attorneys may call a sitting Minnesota State Senator by her legislative title.
The judge ruled on a series of motions in a filing in the burglary case against Minnesota State Senator Nicole Mitchell – including the use of the title ‘Senator’ in the trial – which has been delayed until after the Minnesota legislative session concludes. The order, by Becker County District Court Judge Michael Fritz, found that concerns around the use of the title ‘Senator’ is ‘purely speculative.
“Law enforcement officers are routinely addressed in court proceedings by their title, as are certain witness such as doctors and other witnesses having professional titles,” Fritz wrote in denying the motion.
Fritz also ruled on several other issues raised by both Mitchell’s defense attorneys and the state.
The trial will begin within 60 days of the end of the legislative session, which wraps up May 19.
