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title: "Douglas A. Bahr | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/douglas-a-bahr-nd-supreme-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# Douglas A. Bahr

North Dakota Supreme Court · Justice

## Profile

- Court: North Dakota Supreme Court
- State: North Dakota
- Role: Justice
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-10-02

## Summary

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

## Biography

### Professional career

- Associate Justice, North Dakota Supreme Court (2023–present)
- American judge and attorney who has held the role of an Associate Justice of the North Dakota Supreme Court since February 1, 2023, appointed by Governor Doug Burgum to succeed Gerald VandeWalle
- 2018–2023: District Judge, South Central Judicial District Court
- He clerked for Iowa Supreme Court Justice Jerry Larson in 1990–1991, then worked in the North Dakota attorney general’s office, among them solicitor-general and civil-litigation leadership in 2000–2016
- 1990–1991: Law Clerk to Justice Jerry L. Larson, Iowa Supreme Court

### Education

- University of South Dakota J.D. in 1990, graduating as a Sterling Honor Graduate and serving as a law-review production editor.
- His academic qualifications include a Brigham Young University B.S. in 1987

### Additional information

- Bahr is one of five justices on the North Dakota Supreme Court, with a term running through December 31, 2026.
- Joined the North Dakota Supreme Court in February 2023 after Governor Doug Burgum appointed him to succeed Gerald VandeWalle.
- Practiced at Crowley Fleck in 2016–2018 and taught at Bismarck State College in 2008–2016.
- Professional activities include state-bar, judges-association, Eighth Circuit bar, court-personnel and procedure committees.
- He is also chair of the Court Personnel Policy Board and the Court Joint Procedure Committee, and serves on the Juvenile Policy Board and the Judicial Conference’s Executive and Standing Committees on Legislation

## 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/supreme-court/justices)
- [Official roster](https://www.ndcourts.gov/supreme-court/justices)
- [North Dakota Court System official judicial roster](https://www.ndcourts.gov/supreme-court/justices)
- [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 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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