In Minnesota, the evaluation process and criteria for making decisions about whether a person needs treatment and, if so, what type of treatment is most beneficial, are governed by Rule 25. This rule also establishes the procedure and standard for excluding the public from pretrial hearings. The primary interest of a defendant in this situation is to protect their right to a fair trial by preventing the dissemination of evidence or arguments presented at the hearing. The court must consider the sufficiency of any alleged overriding interest that would justify closing the hearing. Rule 25.03 governs only the restriction of access to public records related to a criminal case. It does not authorize the court to prohibit the media from disseminating or publishing any information in its possession in connection with a criminal case.
However, if the media agrees not to broadcast these matters until the trial ends, then this determination would be made. The provision on review on appeal allows defendants and any aggrieved persons to request immediate review of the court's ruling on exclusion. Counties have a Rule 25 or Chemical Health department that can guide individuals through the application process. This includes providing information about continuances or changes of venue under Rule 25.02. In summary, Rule 25 hearings in Minnesota are used to evaluate whether an individual needs treatment and, if so, what type of treatment is most beneficial. The court may exclude the public from these hearings if there is an overriding interest that justifies it.
The media may also agree not to broadcast these matters until the trial ends. Finally, counties have departments that can guide individuals through the application process.
