Resource Center

Neighborhood Justice Center is committed to working with and for the community to ensure that everyone understands their basic rights under the laws of Minnesota and the United States.

Below you will find various legal topics organized around Amendments to the U.S. Constitution that impact your daily life, as well as updates from the team at NJC on happenings at our organization.

We invite your feedback! Let us know if there are court cases or legal rights you’d like us to cover.

Legal Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and is not legal advice. If you have questions regarding a legal matter, please contact our office for assistance or reach out to an attorney who may be able to help you understand how the law may apply to different circumstances.

 
 
Featured
Can police question a minor without a parent present?
Can police question a minor without a parent present?

If you’re under the age of 18 and come into contact with the police, are they allowed to legally question you? Find out what your rights are.

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Do school officials have the authority to search students and their property while they are in school?
Do school officials have the authority to search students and their property while they are in school?

As a student, can your school officials go through your personal belongings if they think you did something wrong? Learn what protections the 4th Amendment provides you.

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Can the government use evidence obtained from an otherwise illegal detention?
Can the government use evidence obtained from an otherwise illegal detention?

If an officer discovers that you have a warrant after an otherwise illegal detention, that may be enough to allow the government to use any evidence found from this detention.

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You’re a passenger in a vehicle that’s just been pulled over: what are your rights?
You’re a passenger in a vehicle that’s just been pulled over: what are your rights?

Learn what may happen when the vehicle you’re riding in is pulled over by the police.

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Can police collect location data from your cell phone?
Can police collect location data from your cell phone?

Your cell phone is constantly tracking your location and other private information. Can law enforcement access that information without a warrant? We break down the Supreme Court case that ruled on this issue.

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Can police detain/seize you simply for living in a high-crime area?
Can police detain/seize you simply for living in a high-crime area?

If you live in a “high-crime” area, can the police indiscriminately stop and/or detain you? Find out as we look at how the Minnesota Supreme Court has ruled on this issue.

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Featured
Hello to Damaris, NJC's new Bonner Scholar Intern
Hello to Damaris, NJC's new Bonner Scholar Intern

Welcome to Damaris Zamora-Aguilon, who joined NJC’s team as a Bonner Scholar Intern the fall of 2023!

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Celebrate 50 years with us!
Celebrate 50 years with us!

Join us as we commemorate 50 years of public defense service to the community! We can’t wait to see you there!

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Say hello to Amber, our new MJF summer fellow
Say hello to Amber, our new MJF summer fellow

NJC is thrilled to welcome the newest member of our team, Amber Magnussen. Amber will be assisting our office during the summer as a Minnesota Justice Foundation (MJF) Law Clerk.

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Welcoming Kalen as NJC's summer law clerk
Welcoming Kalen as NJC's summer law clerk

NJC is pleased to introduce the newest member of our team. Kalen Best recently joined our staff as our summertime Minnesota Justice Foundation (MJF) Law Clerk.

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Introducing two new staff members
Introducing two new staff members

The Neighborhood Justice Center is pleased to introduce the two newest members of our Community Advocacy and Investigation team! Please meet Elizabeth (Libby) Humphreys and Charlotte Lenkaitis.

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