Supreme Court won’t upset major ruling on prisoner rights
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The Michigan Supreme Court has cleared the way for prisoners to sue the Corrections Department for alleged civil rights violations.
The court declined to take an appeal from state officials. They’re accused of failing to prevent prisoners from physically abusing inmates who were under 18 years old.
The Michigan Constitution says “no person shall be denied the equal protection of laws” when receiving a public service. But in 1999, lawmakers carved out an exception, saying public service doesn’t include prisons or jails.
The state appeals court in 2018 declared that exception unconstitutional. The Supreme Court last week didn’t take the case, which means the earlier decision will stand.
Justices Brian Zahra and Stephen Markman wanted to hear it. They say the Supreme Court “should have the final word on this significant issue of Michigan constitutional law.”
Student art coming to AG Nessel’s offices
DETROIT (AP) — Student artwork will be showcased in the Lansing and Detroit offices of state Attorney General Dana Nessel.
The artwork was part of the 82nd Detroit Public Schools Community District Student Exhibition at the Detroit Institute of Arts.
The art museum will select 35 of the 200 pieces that were part of the exhibition for display in the G. Mennen Williams Building in Lansing and Cadillac Place in Detroit through October.
Nessel said “the artistic expression of these exceptionally talented students is truly remarkable.”
The artists, their families and teachers are invited to a reception and special tour of the state Capitol building later this year.
Lawyer Trust Accounts Seminar set for June 25
The State Bar of Michigan will present a seminar on Lawyer Trust Accounts, “Management Principles and Recordkeeping Resources” from 1:15-4:45 p.m. Tuesday, June 25 at the State Bar of Michigan, 306 Townsend St. in Lansing. This half-day ethics seminar will feature presentations on how to effectively use forms, checklists, and other recordkeeping resources. The seminar, open to lawyers and their staff, is an excellent way to learn how to comply with Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.15 and 1.15A. Participants will receive practical information as well as materials prepared by the presenters: SBM Professional Standards Division Director Danon Goodrum-Garland, SBM Assistant General Counsel Nkrumah Johnson-Wynn, Professional Standards Assistant Counsel Alecia Ruswinckel, and Attorney Grievance Commission Senior Associate Counsel Rhonda Pozehl. The cost to attend is $50 for lawyers; $25 for non-lawyers, law students, and unlicensed graduates. Register by June 21 at https://www.michbar.org (or mail/fax form). No walk-in registrations will be accepted.
For more information contact Karen Spohn with the State Bar of Michigan Professional Standards Division at (517) 346-6309 or by email to kspohn@michbar.org.
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