![Minnesota Judge Allows ‘Necessity Defense’ in Pipeline Case](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2016/08/Oil-pipeline.jpg?w=630&h=420&zc=1&s=0&a=t&q=89&w=980&q=75)
Minnesota Judge Allows ‘Necessity Defense’ in Pipeline Case
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) _ A Minnesota judge has taken the unusual step of allowing
four protesters to use a ``necessity defense,'' enabling them to present evidence that the threat of climate change from Canadian tar sands crude justified their attempt to shut down two Enbridge Energy pipelines last year.
Emily Johnston and Annette Klapstein acknowledge they turned the shut-off valves on two pipelines in Minnesota as part of a coordinated action against five pipelines in northern states. A total of 11 activists were charged.
Johnston and Klapstein, of the Seattle area, say that as far as their team knows, this is the first time a judge has allowed a full necessity defense on a climate change issue. They're due to go on trial Dec. 11. Two co-defendants who filmed them will stand trial later.
More From AM 1240 WJON
![Three People Hurt In Crash In Rice On Friday](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2019/12/State-Patrol-Stock-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Hormel Seeking Nominations for 10 Under 20 Heroes](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/04/attachment-MicrosoftTeams-image-18.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Murphy Named New Principal For Clearview Elementary](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2016/07/clearview-elementary1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Fishing is Good in MN; Where to Fish is the Challenge](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/10/attachment-Glen-Schmitt-taken-by-Ben-Schmitt-edit.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Strong Turnout At 1st Annual Spearfishing Decoy Show](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/12/attachment-DSC01510.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Want To Own Your Own Movie Theater? That Chance Awaits You In Hutchinson!](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2023/07/attachment-Jenna-Vikse-via-Jenna-Vikse-Real-Estate.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![This Oddly Named Minneapolis Business Is Really An Artists Dream World](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2023/01/attachment-Image-Credit-Google-Maps.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![U of M Researchers Tackle Climate Change](http://townsquare.media/site/669/files/2021/07/attachment-RS45164_GettyImages-1150050227-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Group Asks Regulators to Check Enbridge’s Pipeline Capacity](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2017/12/Oil-Pipeline-Stock.jpg?w=980&q=75)