Daily Briefs

U.S. drops appeal of judge’s dismissal of female genital mutilation charges


DETROIT (AP) — The U.S. Justice Department won't appeal a decision by a Detroit federal judge who threw out female genital mutilation charges against members of a Muslim sect.

Solicitor General Noel Francisco calls it an "especially heinous practice." But in a letter to Congress, he says the law needs to be changed to be constitutional under U.S. Supreme Court precedent.

Judge Bernard Friedman in November said the law was unconstitutional because Congress didn't have power to regulate genital mutilation. The government pulled its appeal on March 30.

Dr. Jumana Nagarwala was accused of performing genital mutilation on nine girls at a suburban Detroit clinic. She denies any crime and says she performed a religious custom. The girls were from Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota.

There still are other charges in the case.

 

SBM Real Property Law Section to present Academy II May 8-9
 

The State Bar of Michigan Real Property Law Section will present the Real Property Law Academy II Wednesday and Thursday, May 8-9, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  at Michigan State University-Management Education Center, 811 W. Square Lake Rd. in Troy.

Academy II is the continuation of a new program being taught by respected and experienced Michigan real estate attorneys, each an expert in their field.

The overall program (Academy I and Academy II) is designed to provide a basic understanding of the most fundamental aspects of a real estate practice. It is targeted not only for real estate attorneys, but also for other attorneys who will encounter real estate issues from time to time.

Attendance at Academy I is not a prerequisite for attending Academy II, which will target eight topics over a two-day period. “Are You Ready for (More) Real Estate?” will help attendees: gain a basic understanding of fundamentals of Michigan real estate practice; develop confidence, attract clients, and impress partners; meet some of the leading Michigan real estate lawyers; take home time-tested, proven forms and explanatory materials you can put to use immediately; and network with other real estate practitioners.

The cost to attend is $220 (law school student $80) and firms may register up to ten participants for $1,000. Register online at http://connect.michbar.org/realproperty/events/academy2.

 

Comments being accepted for regional parks, recreation plan
 

DETROIT (AP) — Residents in southeastern Michigan are being asked to comment on a regional parks and recreation plan.

The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) says the plan addresses integrating community health and wellness initiatives with outdoor recreation opportunities and equitable access to those opportunities.

Comments about the plan can be brought up during SEMCOG’s May 2 executive committee meeting in Detroit.
 

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