---
title: "James D. Gion | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/james-gion-nd-swjd-1"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
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# James D. Gion

North Dakota Southwest Judicial District Court · District Judge

## Profile

- Court: North Dakota Southwest 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

- James D. Gion is a District Court Judge for the North Dakota Southwest Judicial District, appointed in 2015 and re‐elected in 2018, serving from Dickinson, ND
- Practiced in Hettinger County in 1982–2015, held the role of its state’s attorney in 1991–2015 and as Slope County state’s attorney in 2012–2015
- Position: District Court Judge, Southwest Judicial District, Department 1

### Education

- He graduated from Regent High School in 1971, obtained a University of North Dakota bachelor’s degree in 1976 and J.D. in 1982, and entered the state bar in 1982.

### Additional information

- Governor Jack Dalrymple appointed him inNovember 2015 after Zane Anderson retired; the overview reports election in 2018.
- His appointment and re‐election reflect both professional credibility and community trust
- His other work included assistant state’s-attorney roles in Bowman and Grant counties and representation of the city of Regent.
- Judge Gion’s career spans over three decades in public service, combining legal practice, prosecutorial work, and judicial leadership.
- James D. Gion serves in North Dakota’s Southwest Judicial District at Dickinson.

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