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title: "Benjamen J. Johnson | KnowJudges"
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# Benjamen J. Johnson

North Dakota Northwest Judicial District Court · District Judge

## Profile

- Court: North Dakota Northwest Judicial District Court
- State: North Dakota
- Role: District Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-10-02

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Biography

### Professional career

- District Court Judge for the Northwest Judicial District of North Dakota, appointed in 2017 by Governor Doug Burgum, and currently serves in Williams County (NWJD #2) until the end of 2026
- North Dakota Northwest Judicial District judge in Williston, appointed by Governor Doug Burgum in 2017 after David W. Nelson retired.
- Practiced privately in Tioga from 2008 to 2017 and held the role of a Northwest District public defender from 2012 to 2017
- Position: District Court Judge, Northwest Judicial District, Department NWJD #2 (Williams County)

### Education

- University of North Dakota School of Law — J.D. (2008)
- His academic qualifications include a University of Mary bachelor’s degree in 2004 and a University of North Dakota J.D. in 2008, joining the North Dakota bar that year.

### Additional information

- Appointed to fill a vacancy created by Judge Nelson’s retirement
- His public-law work also included Burke County prosecution, municipal representation for Tioga, Ross, Wildrose, Flaxton, Portal and Bowbells, and prosecution for the Three Affiliated Tribes.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### remote hearing and evidence

Scope: statewide

North Dakota Administrative Rule 52 permits reliable electronic-means proceedings in district and municipal courts on the court's or a party's motion; a party seeking the proceeding must give notice and obtain court approval.

Evidence excerpt: Parties seeking to hold an electronic means proceeding must provide notice to the other parties and obtain approval from the court.

[North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 52: Reliable Electronic Means Proceedings](https://www.ndcourts.gov/news/north-dakota/north-dakota-supreme-court/general-news/remote-proceedings-by-electronic-means-a-useful-tool)
Source checked: 2026-07-27

### remote hearing and evidence

Scope: statewide

North Dakota's official Rule 52 guidance states that in civil actions a court may conduct a hearing, conference, other proceeding, or take testimony by reliable electronic means.

Evidence excerpt: In a civil action, the court may conduct a hearing, conference, or other proceeding, or take testimony, by reliable electronic means.

[North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 52: Reliable Electronic Means Proceedings](https://www.ndcourts.gov/news/north-dakota/north-dakota-supreme-court/general-news/remote-proceedings-by-electronic-means-a-useful-tool)
Source checked: 2026-07-27


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.ndcourts.gov/court-locations/northwest)
- [Official roster](https://www.ndcourts.gov/court-locations/northwest)
- [North Dakota Court System official judicial roster](https://www.ndcourts.gov/court-locations/northwest)
- [North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 52: Reliable Electronic Means Proceedings](https://www.ndcourts.gov/news/north-dakota/north-dakota-supreme-court/general-news/remote-proceedings-by-electronic-means-a-useful-tool)
- [North Dakota Court System official judicial roster](https://www.ndcourts.gov/court-locations/northwest)
- [North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 52: Reliable Electronic Means Proceedings](https://www.ndcourts.gov/news/north-dakota/north-dakota-supreme-court/general-news/remote-proceedings-by-electronic-means-a-useful-tool)

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