Court edits opinion in parole dispute
DETROIT (AP) — The Michigan Supreme Court has changed the last sentence of a June opinion, an edit that could lead to the release of a prison inmate in an unusual case about the powers of governors.
Three months ago, the court said Gov. Jennifer Granholm illegally reversed a decision that had lifted Matthew Makowski’s no-parole sentence in 2010. But the parole board still won’t release him.
In an order last week, the Supreme Court removed words from the earlier opinion that had been interpreted as limiting the parole board’s options.
Lawyer Paul Reingold says Makowski should be sent home like any other inmate whose sentence has been commuted by a governor.
Makowski was convicted of first-degree murder for arranging a robbery that turned into a fatal stabbing. He wasn’t present.
Insurer wins appeal in firing over Klan reference
LANSING (AP) — The state Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of a Lansing-area insurance company that fired a white employee who offended a black co-worker.
The court overturned a decision by an Ingham County judge. Angela Shaft claimed her dismissal at Jackson National Life was illegally based on race.
In 2012, Shaft sent an email to Candace Jones about finding a ticket to a basketball game between the Ku Klux Klan and the Knights of Columbus to benefit a Jewish group. Shaft submitted a picture for an employee newsletter.
Jones, who is black, complained, and Shaft was fired for violating the insurer’s harassment policy. In a 2-1 decision last week, the appeals court says the firing was based on the content of the message — not the race of the messenger, Shaft.
Lawyer faces suspension over doctored photos
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A judge has recommended a six-month suspension for a Los Angeles attorney who posted doctored photos on her firm’s website that show her with high-profile people such as President Obama and George Clooney.
In his decision, Judge Donald Miles said Svitlana Sangary failed to remove the images after a State Bar warning that they were false advertising; disregarded the disciplinary process and responded to the charges with a 16-page soliloquy that had little or nothing to do with the case.
The California Supreme Court will decide on the recommendation.
In a statement to The Associated Press, Sangary implied the photos were genuine. She says she was photographed with “talented and successful people” at charity and political events and provided a photo link.
City defends former mayor in parade suit
Cianci was forced from office in 2002 after being convicted of corruption. He is running for mayor again.
Two firefighters have argued that their constitutional religion and free speech rights were violated when they were ordered to drive in the parade.
The city argues that it sent trucks to parades as a matter of course, it was part of the firefighters’ regular duties, and no constitutional rights were violated.
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