The North Dakota Supreme Court convened on January 11, 2025, to discuss the case of State v. Henderson, focusing on the evidentiary standards required for proving the functionality of a firearm and the identification of controlled substances.

A key point of discussion centered on the necessity of direct observation and testimony to establish that a weapon can expel a projectile through explosive action. One participant emphasized that without firing the weapon, it is impossible to demonstrate its capability, stating, "There’s no way around it." This highlights the challenges in proving firearm functionality without practical testing.

The conversation also touched on the complexities involved in drug identification. It was noted that while some substances, like marijuana, are easier to identify visually, others, such as cocaine, present difficulties due to their appearance as a white powder. The participant argued that relying solely on an officer's testimony about the substance's identity may not suffice, especially when distinguishing between various white powders.

The discussion underscored the need for reliable methods of evidence collection and analysis, suggesting that conducting a test round may be a more efficient process compared to the lengthy drug analysis typically required by state crime labs.

Overall, the meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding the standards of evidence in criminal cases, particularly in relation to firearms and drug identification, which could impact future legal proceedings in North Dakota.