I’m running for Hennepin County Attorney because the criminal justice system isn’t broken—it’s obsolete.

The choice is clear: do you want a litigator or an innovator?

I'm the only candidate who has the necessary experience to apply new knowledge and tools from neuroscience and artificial intelligence to make Hennepin County the national leader in 21st century prosecution. We can utilize proven, effective solutions to improve safety.

Thank you for learning more about our vision, and I hope to meet you on the campaign trail!

I’m running for Hennepin County Attorney because the criminal justice system isn’t broken—it’s obsolete.

The choice is clear: do you want a litigator or an innovator?

I'm the only candidate who has the necessary experience to apply new knowledge and tools from neuroscience and artificial intelligence to make Hennepin County the national leader in 21st century prosecution. We can utilize proven, effective solutions to improve safety.

Thank you for learning more about our vision, and I hope to meet you on the campaign trail!

“The status quo is not acceptable. We have to innovate to improve safety.”

Meet Francis Shen

Francis X. Shen was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. His father was born in Shanghai, China, and his mother was a first generation college graduate. He attended a Catholic Jesuit high school, and then majored in Economics and English at the University of Chicago, where he hurdled on the track and field team and set the school record in the 400 Hurdles. After college, he received his JD from Harvard Law School and his PhD at Harvard University, where he worked with brain scientist Steven Pinker. He completed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship with the MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Law & Neuroscience.

Professor Shen joined the University of Minnesota in 2012, and he is a Professor of Law and Faculty Member in the Graduate Program in Neuroscience. Shen directs the Shen Neurolaw Lab, whose motto is: Every Story is a Brain Story. Working with cross-sector teams, he develops innovative legal solutions that harness the power of neuroscience and artificial intelligence to produce more just and effective legal outcomes. He has published four books and many articles. His work has been cited in the U.S. Supreme Court and by lawyers and judges in districts across the country.

Currently he works with the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office and community partners in Boston to help implement an Emerging Adult Program. The Emerging Adult Program provides diversion opportunities to young adults, ages 18-25, and provides individualized goals to facilitate accountability and improved outcomes.

As an educator, Shen is at the cutting edge. He taught Minnesota's first Law & Artificial Intelligence class, co-wrote the first Law & Neuroscience textbook, and has taught thousands of judges and attorneys about neuroscience and law.

As a leader, Shen has extensive executive and managerial experience, serving as the inaugural Executive Director of the Center for Law, Brain & Behavior, Executive Director of Education & Outreach for the MacArthur Foundation Research Network, and leading multiple million dollar projects with diverse teams.

Shen's pathbreaking work has been recognized by the prestigious American Law Institute (ALI). which awarded an Early Career Medal to Professor Shen, one of two medals awarded every other year. The ALI cited Professor Shen's status as “a pioneer in establishing the interdisciplinary field of law and neuroscience.”

Shen lives in the Bryn Mawr neighborhood of Minneapolis with his wife and two kids. An avid sports fan, he's a devoted KFAN listener and has coached girls flag football, as well as track and field for the UMN Run Club. A practicing Catholic, he teaches Sunday School and serves as a faculty mentor for Christian law students at UMN. Shen still competes in the 110m and 400m hurdles. He is a 12-time age group national champion in USA Track and Field Masters Championships, and placed 5th in the World Masters Athletics championships in his age group in the 400m hurdles.

Francis lives in Minneapolis with his wife and two children.
Francis lives in Minneapolis with his wife and two children.
At UMN Law, Francis teaches Criminal Law, Law & AI, and Law & Neuroscience.
At UMN Law, Francis teaches Criminal Law, Law & AI, and Law & Neuroscience.
Francis is a 12-time National Champion in the hurdles at USA Track & Field Masters championships.
Francis is a 12-time National Champion in the hurdles at USA Track & Field Masters championships.
Francis conducts community engaged research in the community, including at the State Fair!
Francis conducts community engaged research in the community, including at the State Fair!
Faith is at the center of Francis's life, even when it's cold at Art Shanty Project.
Faith is at the center of Francis's life, even when it's cold at Art Shanty Project.
In the community Francis frequently connects brain health to legal concepts.
In the community Francis frequently connects brain health to legal concepts.
Francis created UMN Law's Introduction to American Law course, which now reaches hundreds of undergrads each year.
Francis created UMN Law's Introduction to American Law course, which now reaches hundreds of undergrads each year.
As Director of Neurolaw for the Neurotech Justice Accelerator, Francis mentors the next generation of neurolaw leaders.
As Director of Neurolaw for the Neurotech Justice Accelerator, Francis mentors the next generation of neurolaw leaders.