Capital Punishment in Minnesota

The last execution in Minnesota was in the case of State v. Williams, 96 Minn. 351, 105 N.W. 265 (1905). The opinion of the Minnesota Supreme Court and the briefs of the attorneys before the court are available in the Law Library. The death penalty was abolished by the legislature in 1911.

In our positions as librarians, not lawyers, we can suggest resources but cannot give legal advice (such as which form to file) or legal opinions (such as how a statute might apply to particular facts). To do so could be considered the unauthorized practice of law. Even though we try to suggest materials that will be of help, more research is often required to find a complete and correct answer. For many questions, the best answer may be to consult an attorney.