High court strikes down ‘vague’ part of career criminal law
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has struck down part of a federal law intended to keep people convicted of repeated violent crimes in prison longer.
The court on Friday ruled that a catchall phrase in the Armed Career Criminal Act, spelling out which crimes make defendants eligible for longer prison terms, is too vague.
The justices ruled in favor of defendant Samuel James Johnson, who pleaded guilty to federal weapons charges in 2012. Johnson was sentenced to 15 years in prison, 5 more than he otherwise would have gotten, because of his prior convictions.
That law lists some specific categories of previous crimes that can lead to a longer sentence. But it also says a violent felony includes crimes involving “conduct that presents a serious potential risk of physical injury to another.”
Jeb Bush to speak at GOP leadership gathering in Michigan
MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. (AP) — Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush plans to speak at a GOP leadership gathering in Michigan in September.
The Michigan Republican Party announced Friday the former Florida governor would attend the 31st Biennial Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.
In a statement, Bush says: “Leaders in Michigan have shown that conservative principles can create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to rise up.”
The conference runs Sept. 18-20. Details about the event are posted online.
Man exonerated of rape after spending 17 years in prison
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — A Grand Rapids man who spent about 17 years in prison has been officially exonerated of a rape that officials now say he didn't commit.
The Grand Rapids Press reports 40-year-old Quentin Carter has denied for more than 23 years that he sexually assaulted a 10-year-old neighbor girl. Kent County prosecutor William Forsyth said earlier this month Carter's innocence is an "inescapable conclusion," and his 1992 conviction was formally set aside by a judge Thursday.
Carter was nearly 17 when he was convicted, and he was released on parole seven years ago. The judge's order calls for his removal from the state's sex offender registry.
Authorities believe Carter was framed by a man living with the girl's mother at the time. The man was convicted of first-degree murder this month in a separate case.
Holiday Hours
The 36th District Court and the Third Circuit Court will be closed on July 3 in observance of Independence Day. The court will reopen July 6. The Wayne County Probate Court will be closed in observance of Independence Day on Friday, July 3 and will reopen on Monday, July 6 at 8 a.m.
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