Michigan courts expected to continue remote proceedings
State Court Administrator Tom Boyd has reminded Michigan’s legal community that even as the state continues to gradually reopen throughout the pandemic, courts are expected to continue using remote proceedings as much as possible.
In a recent memo to judges, court administrators and probate registers, Boyd emphasized “a judge may not refuse a reasonable request to appear by Zoom for most proceedings” and noted courts need a clear rationale for denying a request to appear remotely,
adding that such denials are subject to appellate review.
Boyd acknowledged that certain court functions are difficult to conduct remotely and added that in those instances, judges are encouraged to work with the parties to establish clear guidelines for proceeding.
He estimates that over the past five months, nearly 1,000 judges and quasi-judicial officers have presided over more than 800,000 hours of remote hearings in the state and the feedback from the legal community and public regarding the proceedings has been overwhelmingly positive.
Ex-prosecutor hit with more charges in spending probe
MOUNT CLEMENS (AP) — Former Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith, who quit when charged with corruption, was hit with new allegations this week as federal authorities accused him of obstructing justice in an investigation of how he spent campaign donations.
Smith, who was prosecutor for nearly 16 years, will plead guilty in federal court, according to a court filing.
Smith acknowledged in a plea agreement that he told three people, including two assistant prosecutors, to lie when questioned by investigators about his use of campaign cash.
He admitted taking $75,000 for personal use, although he insisted that he never traded “justice for money” while prosecutor in Michigan's third-largest county.
Guidelines call for a prison sentence of 15 to 21 months, although U.S. District Judge Linda Parker has much discretion.
Smith quit office in March after he was charged in state court with embezzlement and other crimes related to an alleged scheme to use money from drunken driving cases, bad check cases and assets forfeited in drug crimes.
Smith pleaded not guilty.
Justice Ginsburg to receive Liberty Medal
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has been named this year's recipient of the National Constitution Center's Liberty Medal.
The Philadelphia center said Ginsburg will be awarded the medal "for her efforts to advance liberty and equality for all" in a video tribute in words and music to be broadcast live Sept. 17.
Officials say Ginsburg won't be present to receive the award.
The Liberty Medal recognizes individuals who strive to secure the blessings of liberty to people around the globe.
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