Insider Intelligence

This week, President Donald Trump appointed Michigan Supreme Court Justice Joan Larsen to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.  The court has jurisdiction over federal appeals from the states of Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee.  Justice Larsen has served on Michigan’s highest court since her appointment on September 30, 2015 by […]

This week, Governor Rick Snyder announced the appointment of Mariam Bazzi to the 3rd Circuit Court in Wayne County.  Judge Bazzi has been an assistant prosecuting attorney in Wayne County since 2006.  She began her career at the Law Offices of Hamood, Runco & Fergestrom as a law clerk and was later hired at the […]

This week, the House of Representatives approved legislation increasing juror pay.  Representative Peter Lucido (R-Shelby Twp.), introduced the bills in February with the goal of increasing juror pay by $5, if the state’s Juror Compensation Reimbursement Fund has more than $2 million over the two previous fiscal years.  The Juror Compensation Reimbursement Fund, reimburses local […]

On Wednesday, Supreme Court Justice Robert Young announced his retirement from the bench.  His retirement will be effective April 30 or earlier as he winds up his affairs on the state’s highest Court.  Justice Young will be returning to his former law firm of Dickinson Wright. Justice Young served three years on the Michigan Court […]

This week, the 2016 Michigan Human Trafficking Commission Report was provided to state legislators and released to the public.  The report highlights the work completed and the ongoing work by the Commission, including; September’s statewide conference, reviewing state law and policies to make recommendations, and working with experts to develop training videos.  To view the […]

This week, the House of Representatives passed a twenty-bill package from the Senate making reforms to the criminal justice system.  The large package makes several changes to the state’s current system, including: Better tracking and evaluating recidivism data Expedite medical commutation hearings Encourage partnerships with outside volunteers Limit the revocation time that a probation violator […]

This week, House Democratic Leader Sam Singh (D-East Lansing), Representative Andy Schor (D-Lansing), and Representative Kim LaSata (R-Bainbridge Township) introduced legislation with the goal of preventing courtroom assaults.  Under the bills as introduced, “attempted assault” would be added to the section of law that criminalizes assault on personnel in courtrooms, it would increase the penalties […]

This week, the Senate passed a twenty-one bill package reforming the state’s criminal justice system.  Last year, the Senate passed similar legislation but it failed to pass the House before the end of the 2015-2016 legislative term.  The bills in the current package make several changes to the state’s system, including: A better system to […]