Daily Briefs (Nov 12)

Straker Bar to mark milestone on Nov. 18
The D. Augustus Straker Bar Association will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a Cocktail Party and Silent Auction on Thursday, Nov. 18 from 6-9 p.m. at the Troy Marriott.

“The D. Augustus Straker Bar Association has a rich history of service and commitment to diversity in the legal community,” said a spokesman for the organization. “The proceeds from the silent auction will be used to fund our educational programming and scholarships.”

Tickets are $45 and guests can register online at http://straker20th.eventbrite.com.

Attorney General Cox opposes agreement in Indian tribe’s lawsuit
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (AP) — Attorney General Mike Cox is objecting to a major legal settlement that would grant new rights to an Indian tribe and its members living in mid-Michigan's Isabella County.

In a court filing this week, Cox says the agreement represents a “sea change” in the relationship between Michigan and the Saginaw Chippewa tribe.

Cox says the public needs more time to digest the deal, which involves law enforcement, taxation and other issues in seven townships. The tribe sued Michigan in 2005, saying the land was part of its original reservation.

Cox is especially concerned about restrictions on what police officers can do if an investigation involves a tribal member. The agreement also relieves tribal members of paying state income tax if they live on tribal land.

State lawyer won’t have to pay $10,000 fine
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — A judge has dismissed a $10,000 fine against a Michigan assistant attorney general for lack of decorum during a trial.

In July, federal Judge John Corbett O’Meara suggested he might revisit the penalty against James Farrell after a second civil trial involving a fatal shooting by a state trooper in 2001.

Indeed, O’Meara dropped the fine Tuesday, two weeks after the lawyer successfully defended Trooper Phil Duplessis.

The first trial ended in a mistrial in May. The judge said Farrell was argumentative and “physically injecting himself” into conflicts.

The attorney general’s office is pleased with the verdict and the decision to drop the fine.

DMBA Foundation to honor Granholm with Dennis Archer award
The Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association Foundation is hosting a reception to honor Gov. Jennifer Granholm with the Dennis W. Archer Public Service Award from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, December 9 at Guardian Building (500 Griswold Street, Detroit, MI 48226). Registration for the strolling supper reception with full bar is $125 per person. Registration deadline is December 2. For further information contact Mitzy Sharp Futro at msharpfutro@detroitlawyer.org

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