Regional Judicial Opioid Initiative Brings Roundtable Learning Opportunity to Michigan

By Kristina Bryant, Principal Court Management Consultant, National Center for State Courts; and Executive Director, Regional Judicial Opioid Initiative

The Appalachian/Midwest Regional Judicial Opioid Initiative (RJOI), of which Michigan is a part, was originally created in 2016 in response to the need for information, education, and resources to address the opioid epidemic in the region. Since then it has broadened its scope to include all substance use disorders and is educating the judiciary on how to best support those afflicted through recovery, rehabilitation, and jail diversion programs designed to keep families together, reduce recidivism, and save lives.

Advising Defendants of Their Rights

By Hon. William G. Kelly, Retired 62B District Court Judge

At the time of a guilty plea, the court must advise a defendant of his or her rights.  This can be done in writing, but people who are illiterate or have low literacy just sign their names without knowing their rights.  Literate people can read the rights, but they often sign without reading to expedite the process.  Educators tell us that people retain only 10 percent of what they read, 20 percent of what they hear, and 50 percent of what they both see and hear.^[1]  So I believe it is important to read the advice of rights to the defendants.  However, reading the advice of rights to everyone is time-consuming and repetitive, and it’s possible to miss something.

In the 62B District Court (Kentwood), we created a narrated slide show video for criminal case defendants to watch about their rights.

The Value of Plain Speech

By Kathryn Griffin, Court Administrator, 45th Circuit and St. Joseph Probate Courts

Plain Language – what is it really?  As courts strive to enhance public trust and confidence in the court system, through various performance measures, are we missing the one piece of the puzzle, language that our constituents can understand?  The National Association of Court Management (NACM) has put together a wonderful resource to explain exactly what “plain language” is and what we can do to incorporate it into the courts.  Each year NACM publishes a guide, this year’s guide is the “Plain Language Guide.”

A preview of the 2019 "Plain Language Guide"

Are You Missing Out? Features of MJI’s Website

By Michigan Judicial Institute

The Michigan Judicial Institute (MJI) produces a variety of resources for judges and court staff.  Anyone can access MJI’s calendar of events, recent IMPACT e-mail, videos, publications, and Q&As. Here are some helpful hints about navigating the MJI website:

Supreme Court Helps Michigan Courts Celebrate 50th Anniversary of District Court System

By MSC Public Information Office

The Michigan Supreme Court, in collaboration with the Michigan District Judges Association, is helping courts across the state celebrate the 50th anniversary of the creation of the district court system in Michigan.

National Center for State Courts Certified Court Manager Program Comes to Michigan

By Gary W. Dodge, 44th District Court, President of Michigan Court Administration Association

The Michigan Court Administration Association (MCAA) has arranged to bring a National Center for State Courts (NCSC) accreditation program to court professionals in Michigan.  MCAA, in coordination with the Michigan Judicial Institute (MJI), is partnering with the NCSC’s Institute for Court Management (ICM) to conduct the Certified Court Manager Program (CCM) at the Hall of Justice in Lansing.  

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.

Justice 101: Educating our Youth on the Court System

By the Honorable Derek Meinecke, 44th District Court, Royal Oak

District courts are generally referred to as community courts because of their proximity to everyday citizens.  That puts district court judges in a unique and advantageous position to partner with local leaders and create projects that can make a real and substantial impact.  It is within this spirit of community cooperation that the “Justice 101” program was formed.

What's New at MJI?

MJI Expanded Its Library of Publications  

This year, the Michigan Judicial Institute (MJI) added the District Court Magistrate Manual (DCMM) to its library and will continue to maintain this publication like all other benchbooks.  MJI convened a committee of district court magistrates and Trial Court Services staff to review each revised chapter and provide feedback regarding the accuracy, completeness, and clarity of the content.[1]