The Michigan Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on Tuesday, April 7 in cases involving a tax dispute between Detroit Edison and the Department of Treasury, paternity, OWI convictions, governmental immunity and effective assistance of counsel.
• In Detroit Edison v the Department of Treasury, Treasury conducted a tax audit determining that Detroit Edison had incorrectly calculated its liability under the Use Tax Act. Edison argued that the machinery and equipment was used in industrial processing and was exempt from use tax.
• In Helton v Beaman, plaintiff Helton sued Lisa and Douglas Beaman claiming DNA proved Helton, not Beaman, was the biological father of a child born to Lisa Beaman. Helton sued the Beamans asserting that an affidavit of parentage was signed under a "mistake of fact."
• In People v Miller, Joseph Miller was convicted of OUIL and OUIL causing serious injury. Miller argued that the two convictions violated state and federal constitutional prohibitions against double jeopardy and that he was being subjected to multiple punishments for the same offense.
• In Nash v Duncan Park Commission, Diane Nash filed suit against Duncan Park Commission and Duncan Park Trust and its trustees for the sledding death of 11-year-old Chance Nash at Duncan Park in Grand Haven. Duncan Park Commission argued that the lawsuits were barred by governmental immunity.
In People v Trowbridge, Alan Trowbridge rejected plea offers after he was charged with five counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and proceeded to trial. Two counts were dismissed and the jury convicted Trowbridge of three counts. Because Trowbridge had previously pled guilty to fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, the judge was required to sentence him to life without parole.
Trowbridge argued that his attorney provided ineffective assistance by failing to tell him that he faced life in prison if convicted.
The court will hear the arguments in its courtroom on the sixth floor of the Michigan Hall of Justice beginning at 9:30 a.m. Oral arguments are open to the public.
The court broadcasts its oral arguments and other hearings live on the Internet via streaming video technology.
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