Supreme Court reprimands Dakota County attorney

Star Tribune

Last update: June 25, 2009 - 11:23 PM

Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom was officially reprimanded Thursday by the Minnesota Supreme Court for his efforts to discourage public medical examiners from testifying as defense witnesses.

Backstrom last month apologized for his "lack of judgment" and said he accepted the proposed discipline, which was recommended by the Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility after an investigation into his conduct related to a 2008 Washington County murder trial.

Backstrom sent e-mails to Dakota County Coroner Lindsey Thomas, objecting to one of her lieutenants testifying for the defense in the case of a mother accused of killing her baby. He said he'd consider withdrawing his support for her reappointment to the coroner post if representatives of the office continued serving as paid defense experts.

Backstrom also was ordered to pay $900 in court costs.

JOY POWELL

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