Judge John Dehen Recieves Suspension
Judge John Dehen of Anoka County has been censured and suspended without pay by the Minnesota Supreme Court following multiple incidents of misconduct. One issue involved a dispute over the salary of a court reporter. Dehen attempted to rehire his former court reporter at a higher pay step than typically allowed, even when advised that established HR or union rules required rehired reporters to receive the rate they had before separation. When the local court administrator refused, Dehen filed orders in district court ordering the higher pay, actions which were later vacated by the Court of Appeals.
Another major infraction was that Dehen conducted a court hearing over Zoom while in his car, which the judicial oversight bodies found improper. He also showed unprofessional behavior regarding order and decorum in this and other instances.
The Supreme Court’s decision orders Judge Dehen suspended without pay for nine months, recognizing that his actions constituted abuse of judicial authority. The censure serves as a formal admonishment and indicator that the court found that he violated standards of judicial conduct.
These disciplinary steps come after formal complaints were filed with the Minnesota Board on Judicial Standards, which investigated allegations spanning questions of impartiality, professionalism, improper procedural actions, and ethical violations. The Board’s findings show that Dehen lacked authority in several of the orders he issued and acted in a manner inconsistent with judicial norms.
Judge Dehen has been on the bench since about 2010, serving in Minnesota’s Tenth Judicial District. The sanctions reflect not just isolated misconduct, but a pattern of conduct that judicial regulators say undermines trust in the legal system, especially regarding fairness and following procedural rules.
Why It Matters
-
Reinforces accountability: Even judges are held to codes of conduct and can be punished when they overstep.
-
Protects procedural fairness: Ensures that legal decisions like hiring, salary, and court proceedings follow established rules, contracts, and due process.
-
Preserves public trust in judiciary: When judges act with partiality or misuse procedural tools, public confidence erodes.
-
Clarifies limits of judicial authority: Highlights that judges do not have unlimited discretionary powers — orders can be vacated if beyond their legal authority.
-
Signals oversight strength: Shows that judicial oversight bodies (Board on Judicial Standards, Supreme Court) can and will impose serious sanctions.
Key Legal Outcomes
-
Judge John Dehen is suspended without pay for nine months by the Minnesota Supreme Court. Yahoo+2KARE 11+2
-
He is officially censured, meaning a formal reprimand for misconduct. KARE 11+1
-
Several of Dehen’s orders (e.g. relating to court reporter pay and rehire) were vacated by the Court of Appeals as being outside his authority. Minnesota Lawyer+2Star Tribune+2
-
The disciplinary process came after a complaint by the Board on Judicial Standards, which found violations of judicial conduct, demeanor, and impartiality. Minnesota Lawyer+2Star Tribune+2
-
Judge Dehen’s conduct in conducting a court hearing from his car and over Zoom was considered a violation of professionalism norms. Star Tribune+1
Publication Date & Live Link
- Publication date: “Today” (i.e. September 25, 2025) as published by KARE-11. KARE 11
- Money for Lunch: MN Supreme Court censures and suspends Anoka County judge
