Politics & Government
Who Is Regina Chu, The Judge In Kim Potter Manslaughter Case
Regina Chu, who was appointed by Gov. Jesse Ventura, is overseeing the manslaughter trial of former Brooklyn Center officer Kim Potter.

MINNEAPOLIS — Hennepin County District Judge Regina Chu is overseeing the manslaughter trial of former Brooklyn Center police officer Kim Potter. In November, Chu ruled that the high-profile case should be broadcast live due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19, which limits how many reporters and members of the public can be inside the courtroom.
Here's what to know about Judge Chu:
Appointed/Elected:
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- Appointed July 22, 2002, by Gov. Jesse Ventura
- Elected in 2004, 2010, and 2016
Education:
- B.A, cum laude, University of Minnesota
- J.D., cum laude, William Mitchell College of Law
Community activities
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- Board Member, Asian Women United of Minnesota
- Member, Hennepin County Pro Bono Project Committee
- Member, Civil Litigation Section Council
- Minnesota District Judges Civil Jury Instruction Guides Committee
Assignment History
- Criminal law, July 2016 – Present
- Civil and Criminal law 2007 – June 2016
- Family law, 2005 – 2007
- Criminal law, 2002 – 2004
Man Harassed Judge Overseeing Kim Potter Trial: Charge
Judge Chu's visibility and connection to the case have already made her a target. Protests were held outside her condominium building last month, and one man is accused of trying to intimidate her.
Cortez A. Rice, 32, was charged in Hennepin County with tampering with a judicial officer. A warrant has been issued for his arrest. Read more here.
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