Robert A. Docherty at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Minnesota · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Robert A. Docherty
Biography
Professional career
- As of late 2026, Judge Docherty is running for re‐election in the November 3, 2026, Brown County judicial election
- Employment: Staff attorney, Minnesota Court of Appeals
- Employment: Managing Attorney, Mankato office of the Fifth Judicial District Public Defender’s Office
- Employment: Assistant Public Defender, Fifth Judicial District
- Position: Judge, Brown County District Court, 5th Judicial District, Minnesota
Education
- William Mitchell College of Law — J.D. (1987)
- Creighton University in Omaha — B.A. (1983)
Additional information
- In February 2026, Judge Docherty denied a motion to dismiss a case involving a Springfield woman accused of three felony theft counts and three felony financial transaction card fraud counts, ruling there was sufficient probable cause
- Elected in 2014 and 2020.
- 17, 2012, by Governor Mark Dayton.
- Somsen, Schade and Franta
- Appointed/Elected: Appointed Aug.
- Current term expires Jan.
- He is also active in community roles, including volunteer mock trial coaching, serving on the New Ulm High School Board of Deacons, and co‐chairing the New Ulm Human Rights Commission
Applicable Court Rules & Procedures
Remote appearances
Statewide
Minnesota Judicial Branch remote-hearing guidance says recording or broadcasting a remote proceeding is not authorized except as provided by court rules.
No recording or broadcasting of any remote proceeding is authorized other than as provided by court rules.Remote Hearing Information ↗
Recording and broadcasting
Statewide
Minnesota court guidance cites Rule 4 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice and says pictures or voice recordings are not allowed except the official court record.
According to Rule 4 of the MN Rules of General Practice for the District Courts, no pictures or voice recordingsSecurity & Weapons Screening - Going to Court ↗
Published courtroom rules
Shared court rules
Remote Hearing Information
Minnesota Fifth Judicial District Court
Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim. Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory.
Official source ↗ · Collected 2026-07-26Security & Weapons Screening - Going to Court
Minnesota Fifth Judicial District Court
Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim. Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory.
Official source ↗ · Collected 2026-07-26Sources
Identity source checked July 26, 2026.
Biography sources checked August 3, 2026.
Minnesota Judicial Branch official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Minnesota Judicial Branch official judicial roster ↗Remote Hearing Information
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Remote Hearing Information ↗Security & Weapons Screening - Going to Court
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Security & Weapons Screening - Going to Court ↗