'We will never be the same, but we will serve': Honoring the Courthouse Heroes in Berrien County

By the Honorable Gary J. Bruce, Chief Judge, Berrien County Trial Court

For those of us that spend our days in the justice system, the work we do, while notable to the layperson, can seem mundane at times.  Likewise, while the activity in the courthouse may appear chaotic, it’s actually a well-orchestrated process in which each employee plays a part, many behind the scenes, getting cases ready for the decision-making process.  When litigants and attorneys at last enter the courtroom it may appear that the judge is at the helm guiding participants through the maze of statutes, rules, and procedures.  In fact, the director of this production, the one who prepares the set, gathers the actors, and calls out, “Action!” is the bailiff.  

Success Stories in the Courts: How Michigan Business Courts are Driving Change

By Jacklyn Thomas, MSC Public Information Office


Marking passage of legislation to fine-tune their jurisdiction, the Michigan Supreme Court has released a report highlighting the successful efforts of the state’s 16 business courts to facilitate timely, efficient, and consistent resolution of thousands of complex business cases. The report profiles four business court judges who are helping our state pioneer the expansion and continuous improvement of these innovative courts. The Michigan Senate has given final approval to legislation tailoring the courts’ jurisdiction, adding cases that can benefit from this specialized process and removing others that do not.

A Few Good Reasons to Consider Strategic Planning

By Zenell Brown, Executive Court Administrator, Third Circuit Court (Wayne County)

A Google search for “reasons for strategic planning” returns 7,650,000 results.  Concerns about the costs and the amount of time and resources required for strategic planning can overshadow all 7.65 million responses.

20th Circuit's Adult Drug Treatment Court Selected as Mentor Court

By Andy Brown, Program Coordinator, 20th Circuit Court (Ottawa County)

The 20th Judicial Circuit Adult Drug Treatment Court in Grand Haven (drug court), a specialty program for non-violent felony offenders with acute substance use disorders, has been selected as one of nine “mentor courts” in the United States by the Department of Justice and the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP).  This distinction is awarded to high-performing drug courts that demonstrate exemplary practices and operate with fidelity to the drug court model.

Third Circuit Court's Juvenile Mental Health Court Program Celebrates One-Year Anniversary with Graduation Ceremony

By The Honorable Edward J. Joseph, Third Circuit Court (Wayne County)

The Third Circuit Court’s Juvenile Mental Health Court, one of only six such programs in the state of Michigan, held its first graduation ceremony on March 8, 2017, at Michigan State University’s Detroit Center.  Four youth graduated from the program.  The celebration was attended by judges, clinical professionals, and administration throughout the Third Circuit Court.  The graduating participants received certificates of completion, and Jonathan Edison, a renowned motivational speaker, delivered the keynote address.  Summer employment opportunities were made available to the graduates.

New Bench Card Lists Top Reasons to Consider ADR in Each Case, and Also Best Practices

By Doug Van Epps, Director, Office of Dispute Resolution

Mediation is gradually replacing case evaluation as the default alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process in many courts.  It’s easy to see why.  SCAO’s studies have shown that mediation results in a case disposition rate of approximately 75 percent, compared to 22 percent for case evaluation. 

Electronic Docket Display: A 'Trial' Run

By Nicole Evans, Court Administrator, 54B District Court (East Lansing)

So what’s the big deal about having a monitor display a docket outside of a courtroom or in the lobby?  The 54B District Court was invited to participate in a JIS pilot of its electronic docket display in December 2016 and we piloted the docket display for two months to determine whether to implement its use as part of our daily operations.  We were fortunate to have existing equipment and a public Wi-Fi connection, which helped us obtain feedback from unrepresented parties, attorneys, judges, and staff. 

Hope Not Handcuffs Offers Solutions for Addicts Seeking Help

By The Honorable Linda Davis, 41B District Court (Clinton Township)

The heroin/prescription drug epidemic has become the number one health crisis in the United States, as more and more people fall prey to addiction.

Consider these startling facts: 

Establishing a Mental Health Treatment Court in a Large Region

By Judge Mark Luoma, 93rd District Court, Alger and Schoolcraft Counties

Back in 2015, a particular individual came before the 93rd District Court in Manistique.  The case was unusual because the defendant was autistic.  I will call him “Joe” to maintain confidentiality, but his story is not uncommon.  

What's 'Triage'? This and Other News from Michigan Legal Help

By Martha Gove, Staff Attorney/Program and Outreach Coordinator, Michigan Legal Help Program

The Michigan Legal Help website is approaching its fifth birthday in August 2017, and we’re pleased to share with you recent content updates, program news, and other exciting developments!

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MJI Publications

The MJI Publications Team continues to provide regularly-updated publications and improve its delivery of publications materials. What follows is a reader’s guide to understanding the MJI publications’ process.