Municipal Court

Bismarck City Municipal Court is part of the South-Central Judicial District in Burleigh County, North Dakota. Municipal Courts have jurisdiction over criminal and non-criminal violations of city ordinances. These can include Class B misdemeanors, infractions and traffic violations. [N.D.C.C. 40-05]

Our Judge & Staff

Municipal Court Judges are elected officials. The term of office for a municipal court judge is four years. [N.D.C.C. 40-14-02 and 40-15-02] Judge Amanda R. Harris is currently serving the City of Bismarck in this position.

Judge Harris was elected as Bismarck Municipal Judge in 2024, following the retirement of Judge William C. Severin. Judge Severin honorably served in the role for 42 years. Judges Severin and Tom Jackson currently serve the court as alternate judges. 

Judge Harris earned a degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences with a law emphasis from the University of Mary, Bismarck. She completed her Juris Doctor from the University of North Dakota School of Law in 2008. 

Judge Harris has extensive legal experience as a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney. Her litigation background includes work with Tribal Courts, North Dakota State Courts, Military Courts-Martial, and Federal courts. 

In addition to her extensive legal experience, Judge Harris has worked as a certified family mediator, helping families resolve complex legal issues outside the courtroom. Judge Harris continues to serve the community through her private practice, Harris Law Office, PLLC located in downtown Bismarck. Her practice focuses primarily on family law mediation.

Judge Harris and her husband share a deep passion for service. For 16 years the Harris' have and continue to open their home, serving as foster parents to children in need. Judge Harris enjoys family time and refurbishing furniture in her shop.

Clerk of Court

The Clerk of Court is responsible for the administration of court clerk's office and court records. Clerk of Court Nicole Hanson is assisted by the Deputy Clerk of Court and support staff. The court staff provides information to assist the public in all cases filed in Municipal Court but cannot provide legal advice.

Contact the Clerk of Court's Office by email for questions. Court appearances may only be rescheduled by contacting the Clerk of Court's office in person or by telephone.