Rodney C. Hanson at a glance
- Current role
- Chief Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Minnesota · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Rodney C. Hanson
Chief Judge · Minnesota Eighth Judicial District Court
Biography
Professional career
- The Chief Judge of Minnesota’s Eighth Judicial District, serving since his 2022 re‐election, with a career that spans over 28 years in private practice and multiple judicial roles
- In 2026, elected Chief Judge by peers, with duties including representing the district on judicial councils, administrative oversight, and assigning other judges
- Legal career: Partner at Anderson, Larson, Hanson & Saunders PLLP in Willmar, MN (1985–2013)
Education
Additional information
- Recent leadership: Elected Chief Judge in 2026, succeeding Stephanie Beckman; had held the role of Assistant Chief Judge for five years
- Elected in 2016 and 2022.
- 6, 2013, by Governor Mark Dayton.
- Employment: Local practice, Willmar, 1985-2013
- Employment: Partner
- Anderson, Larson, Hanson & Saunders P.L.L.P.
- Employment: Qualified neutral and arbitrator, American Arbitration Association
- Appointed/Elected: Appointed Nov.
- Current term expires Jan.
- Bar memberships: Minnesota State Bar Association, Kandiyohi County Bar Association, Minnesota Association for Justice, 12th District Bar Association (past president)
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 Eighth 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 Eighth 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 ↗