The Rule of Law Under Pressure: Procedural Justice in Crisis Response

In the wake of George Floyd’s murder in May 2020, cities across the country faced prolonged periods of protest, civil unrest, and a critical reckoning with institutional legitimacy. In Saint Paul, Minnesota, the city met the moment through an intentional and collaborative approach that prioritized procedural justice, constitutional policing, and data-driven crisis response. The result? Over 423 consecutive days of protests without a single civil rights lawsuit filed against the Saint Paul Police Department.

Led by Saint Paul City Attorney Lyndsey Olson, a 24-year Army veteran and legal strategist, this course offers a behind-the-scenes look at how local officials, law enforcement, and community can partner to use the law to uphold rights, de-escalate tension, and protect both public safety and community trust during moments of profound social crisis.