Minnesota § 631.04 - EXCLUDING MINORS FROM ATTENDANCE AT CRIMINAL TRIALS; DUTY OF OFFICER; PENALTY
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 631.04 — EXCLUDING MINORS FROM ATTENDANCE AT CRIMINAL TRIALS; DUTY OF OFFICER; PENALTY, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 631.04. EXCLUDING MINORS FROM ATTENDANCE AT CRIMINAL TRIALS; DUTY OF OFFICER; PENALTY
A minor under the age of 17 who is not a party to, witness in, or directly interested in a criminal prosecution or trial before a district court, may not be present at the trial. A police officer, sheriff, or other officer in charge of a court and attending upon the trial of a criminal case in the court, shall exclude a minor under age of 17 from the room in which the trial is being held. This section does not apply when the minor is permitted to attend by order of the court before which the trial is being held. A police officer, sheriff, or deputy sheriff who knowingly neglects or refuses to carry out the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.
History:
(10708) RL s 5361; 1983 c 359 s 145; 1985 c 265 art 11 s 1; 1998 c 254 art 2 s 73; 2005 c 10 art 2 s 4; art 3 s 25
NOTE: This section was found unconstitutional in State v. Lindsey, 632 N.W.2d 652 (Minn. 2001).
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 631.04
What does Minnesota Statutes § 631.04 cover?
Section 631.04 ("EXCLUDING MINORS FROM ATTENDANCE AT CRIMINAL TRIALS; DUTY OF OFFICER; PENALTY") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 631.04?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 631.04" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 631.04 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.