The state Court of Appeals has sided with a Rastafarian, ruling that his right to religious expression trumps his conviction in Ramsey County District Court of a drug paraphernalia offense for carrying a glass pipe.
Judge Jill Flaskamp Halbrooks wrote that the teenager has a "genuinely held belief in possessing a cannabis pipe." Therefore, Halbrooks continued, the prosecution had "failed to meet its burden" of showing that it had a "compelling state interest" in enforcing the statute in this case.
Paul Walsh
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More From Star Tribune
More From Local
Local
Brooklyn Park police make arrest after asking for help in search for man suspected of sexual assault at gunpoint
The reported attack occurred near a park trail around Shingle Creek; police believe the two did not know each other.
Election
Attorney Tayler Rahm wins GOP backing in battleground Second District
In the Third District, Republican activists endorsed former judge and state legislator Tad Jude. And a contentious convention in the Seventh District ended with no endorsement.
Local
North Oaks withdraws request for density exemption from Met Council
Met Council staff members said the planned development didn't meet density requirements and that granting North Oaks an exception could set a bad precedent.
Local
Civil War group honors the last Union veteran buried in each Minnesota county
History buffs hope to 'keep green' the memories of long-forgotten soldiers in blue.
Local
Boy, 16, shot at YMCA in Coon Rapids
Police said they do not believe the Friday evening shooting was random. He is expected to survive.