Inmate asks appeals court to overturn Granholm decision
LANSING (AP) — Lawyers for a Michigan inmate have asked the state appeals court to reinstate a decision that would release him from a life sentence.
Gov. Jennifer Granholm agreed to commute the no-parole sentence of Matthew Makowski in 2011, just before she left office. But Granholm changed her mind less than 48 hours later after the victim’s family protested.
Makowski’s attorneys say Granholm had no authority to reverse herself after documents were signed and filed. State lawyers say Michigan governors have broad powers when deciding whether to commute sentences.
The appeals court heard arguments Tuesday in Lansing.
Makowski was convicted of first-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of a co-worker in suburban Detroit. He didn’t stab Pete Puma and wasn’t present, but he had arranged the 1988 robbery.
FBA to host discussion of Shakespeare’s plays and justice on Friday
The Book Club of the Federal Bar Association, Eastern District of Michigan Chapter, will host a discussion of “A Thousand Times More Fair: What Shakespeare’s Plays Teach Us About Justice” by Kenji Yoshino on Friday, Dec. 7, beginning at noon in the Judges’ Conference Center, Room 722, of the Theodore Levin U.S. Courthouse, 231 W. Lafayette in Detroit. There is no charge for FBA members to attend. Non-members will be charged $5 per session. Lunch will be offered for $10 or attendees my bring their own. To participate in the FBA Book Club, register online at www.fbamich.org or contact Brian D. Figot, executive director, Chapter Office, at 248-594-5950 or fbamich@fbamich.org. For additional information on the Book Club, contact Book Club Committee Co-Chair Andrew S. Doctoroff at 313-465-7360, adoctoroff@honigman.com; or Book Club Committee Co-Chair Erica L. Fitzgerald 313-596-9318, efitzgerald@bsdd.com.
WLAM Wayne to host holiday party Dec.19
Women Lawyer's Association of Michigan - Wayne Region is hosting its annual Holiday Party on Wednesday, Dec. 19, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Fishbone's located in Greektown. The cost for admission is $25 for members and $30 for future members, if RSVP is received before Dec. 11, and $30 for members, $35 for future members if paid at the door. Admission includes two drink tickets and appetizers. Please contact Alena Clark at Alena.Clark@3rdcc.org with questions and to RSVP before Dec. 11.
Diversity Lecture
The School of Social Work presents their annual Diversity Lecture. This year’s speaker is Lori Messinger, PhD, MA, MSU, from the University of North Carolina. The free event will be held Thursday, March 21, from 1-3 p.m. at the Spencer M. Partrich Auditorium, 471 W. Palmer in Detroit. Topic to be discussed is cultural competence with LGBTQI populations. Registration is required. For more information, contact Julie Alter-Kay at 313-577-4464 or ae8440@wayne.edu.
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