James C. Backstrom's Biography
Experience
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County Attorney in Dakota County, Minnesota, since 1987
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Assistant Dakota County Attorney for 9 years, served 5 years as head of the Civil Division
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Member of Board of Directors since 1988
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President – 1994 (President Elect 2007)
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Chair of Criminal Law Committee – 1991-1993
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Chair of Juvenile Committee – 2000-2005
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Member of Board of Directors since 1992
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Vice-President from 1997-2000
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Co-Chair of the Juvenile Justice Committee - 1994-2001 and 2003-2007
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Accomplishment Highlights
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Successfully prosecuted major criminal cases
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Secured passage of numerous laws aimed at improving the criminal justice system in Minnesota
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Established innovative programs within the Dakota County Attorney’s Office for crime prevention, juvenile crime and crime victim services.
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Frequent speaker at state and national legal education forums
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Authored numerous articles and training materials
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Active in community organizations dealing with prevention of chemical abuse and violence
Education
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William Mitchell College of Law, St. Paul, MN (J.D. 1978 - Cum Laude)
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University of Minnesota, Duluth (B.A. 1974 – Magna Cum Laude; Majors in Economics and Political Science)
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Graduate of F.B. I. National Law Institute
Professional Honors/Recognitions
Association with Community Organizations
Membership in Professional/National Organizations