Wins for Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack and Grand Rapids attorney Elizabeth Welch have shifted the ideological makeup of Michigan’s high court from a 4-3 conservative majority to a 4-3 majority of justices nominated by Democrats.
Michigan Supreme Court
Posted inTalent & Education
COVID masks can still be required in Michigan schools, despite ruling
How does Friday’s Supreme Court ruling upending Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s emergency power authority impact coronavirus mandates in Michigan schools? We answer some of your major questions.
Posted inMichigan Government
Coronavirus powers ruling puts spotlight on Michigan Supreme Court election
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s emergency powers were effectively ended by a 4-3 decision Friday, with the court majority nominated by Republicans. Voters will decide two seats in November that could tip the balance.
Posted inMichigan Government
GOP leader: No mask mandates, Michigan needs to learn to live with coronavirus
One day after Michigan Supreme Court rules Gov. Gretchen Whitmer can’t impose emergency powers during pandemic without input from lawmakers, Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey says the panel is unlikely to agree to far-reaching restrictions. ‘The virus ultimately was going to win,’ he says.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Supreme Court rules Whitmer lacks COVID-19 emergency powers
A divided court declared unconstitutional a 1945 law Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has used to issue orders without input from the Legislature. The GOP declares it a ‘great day’ and the fate of 120-plus orders from Whitmer are now in question.
Posted inMichigan Government
Gov. Whitmer, GOP clash on Michigan ban on public funds for private schools
Religious and non-public school groups want the Michigan Supreme Court to strike down a constitutional amendment banning taxpayer funding for private schools, arguing it was motivated by anti-Catholic bias and violates free exercise rights.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan Supreme Court urged to release Bill Schuette emails on private accounts
A liberal advocacy group argues the state is unjustly refusing to give up government emails the group requested in 2016. Current Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office has picked up Schuette’s defense, citing technical concerns with the suit.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan to allow cellphones in all courts, striking down local bans
Lawyers and advocates argued that cellphone bans create barriers to justice, while some judges raised concerns over court chaos.
Posted inMichigan Government
Bill Schuette opts against Michigan Supreme Court run
Bill Schuette, the former congressman and attorney general who ran for governor last year, was considered a top Republican recruit for the Michigan Supreme Court.
Posted inChildren & Families
Teens raped in Michigan prisons can get day in court, Supreme Court says
The Michigan Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal made by the state in a lawsuit filed by former teen inmates alleging the Department of Corrections didn’t do enough to prevent them from being raped.