Judges ordered to honor pronouns of parties in court
DETROIT (AP) — The Michigan Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered all judges to address people in court by the pronouns they use or by “other respectful means.”
“We serve the entire public and are required to treat those who come before us with civility and respect,” Justice Elizabeth Welch said. “The gender identity of a member of the public is a part of their individual identity, regardless of whether others agree or approve.”
The statewide rule was approved, 5-2.
Some transgender, nonbinary or gender-fluid people use they, them and their as a gender-neutral singular personal pronoun.
“Courts must use the individual’s name, the designated salutation or personal pronouns, or other respectful means that is not inconsistent with the individual’s designated salutation or personal pronouns,” the Supreme Court said.
During a public comment period earlier this year, some critics cited religious reasons for not wanting to address someone by a pronoun they use.
The rule, which kicks in Jan. 1, will still allow judges to avoid pronouns and refer to someone by their role in the case, such as attorney or plaintiff, followed by a last name.
The rule “does not force anyone to violate their beliefs,” Welch said.
Justices Brian Zahra and David Viviano opposed the rule.
“This is a fluid political debate into which our judicial branch of state government should not wade, let alone dive headfirst and claim to have resolved,” Zahra said. “Such hubris has no place within the operation of a judicial branch of state government.”
‘Today’s Issues Facing Medical and Legal Providers’ explored online
The Oakland County Bar Association’s Medical/Legal Committee will present a webinar on “Today’s Issues Facing Medical and Legal Providers” Wednesday, October 25, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. via Zoom.
A panel of experts will provide timely updates to medical providers and the legal community on Stark law, Grewe issues, inurement parameters, liability, and telemedicine/telehealth. Speaking at the program will be Dr. Stephanie Clemens, internal medicine physician at Ro, and Courtney Stevens, director of Virtual Care for Henry Ford Health.
Cost to pre-register for the webinar is $25 for OCBA members; $15 for OCBA Medical/Legal Committee members; $15 for OCBA new lawyers and paralegals; $35 for non-members; and OCBA students can attend for free. There will be an additional $10 charge for those registering on the day of the program.
To register, visit www.ocba.org and click on “Events.”
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