New trial OK'd in comics store slaying
MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. (AP) — The Michigan Court of Appeals says a man deserves a new trial in the death of his wife at their Macomb County comic-book store.
The appeals court on Wednesday affirmed the decision of Circuit Judge James Biernat.
In 2008, Michael George was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of Barbara George, who was shot in their Clinton Township store 20 years ago. But the conviction was thrown out by the judge, who pointed to prosecutorial misconduct and possible new evidence.
Biernat ordered a new trial. Prosecutors appealed that decision.
Three join Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society
Judge Fred L. Borchard, Bruce A. Courtade, and Peter H. Ellsworth have been elected to the Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society’s Board of Directors.
Judge Fred L. Borchard is Chief Judge Pro Tem of the Tenth Circuit Court in Saginaw. Judge Borchard has been a long-time member of the Society and was nominated for a role on the Board by outgoing Director and long-time Saginaw attorney Eugene Mossner.
Bruce A. Courtade practices civil and commercial litigation for the Grand Rapids firm of Rhoades McKee. He is currently the Secretary of the State Bar of Michigan’s Board of Commissioners.
Peter H. Ellsworth is an attorney in the Lansing office of Dickinson Wright, specializing in commercial and business litigation, energy and sustainability, gaming, Indian law, insurance, and regulatory and administrative law.
“While our organization could not survive without our members, we would be equally lost without the dedication and leadership of the men and women who volunteer their time to serve on our Board of Directors,” said Society President Wallace Riley.
3rd Circuit Court hosts Law Day celebration
The Wayne County Third Circuit Court will host its 23rd annual Law Day program Friday, May 7. The program is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. and will be held at the Frank Murphy Hall of Justice. The national theme for Law Day 2010 is “Law in the 21st Century: Enduring Traditions, Emerging Challenges.”
Presiding Judge Timothy M. Kenny will lead the program. Students from schools throughout Wayne County will attend the annual event and have the opportunity to observe hearings in various courtrooms throughout the Criminal Division. Charlie Langton of Fox 2 Detroit will also participate in this year’s activities as the guest speaker.
DMBA’s next “Ask the Judges” series May 18
The Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association and the Wayne County Family Bar Association will host “How Cases are Won and Lost in the Family Division,” a third panel discussion in the “Ask the Judges” series. The panel will be made up of Honorable Patricia Fresard, Honorable Thomas Jackson, Honorable Timothy Kenny, and Prosecutor Kym Worthy. The discussion will be moderated by Retired Circuit Judge William J. Giovan. The event will be held from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. May 18 at Compuware Auditorium. An afterglow will be held at Hard Rock Cafe.
Tickets are $25 per person and include one drink and hors d’oeuvres at the afterglow. Register online at www.detroitlawyer.org. For more information contact Mitzy Sharp Futro at (313) 961-6120 X201 or msharpfutro@detroitlawyer.com.
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