The Michigan Supreme Court will hold a public administrative hearing on Wednesday, Nov. 18 to consider six proposed amendments to rules that impact courts and attorneys around the state.
Matters on the agenda include:
1. 2022-19 Proposed Amendments of MRPC 1.5, 1.15, and 1.15A and Proposed Additions of MRPC 1.15B and 1.15C
Issue: Whether to adopt the proposed amendments of MRPC 1.5, 1.15, and 1.15A and proposed additions of MRPC 1.15B and 1.15C that would amend the rules governing IOLTAs.
2. 2024-15 Proposed Addition of MCR 6.426 and Proposed Amendments of MCR 7.216 and 7.315
Issue: Whether to adopt the proposed addition of MCR 6.426 and proposed amendments of MCR 7.216 and 7.315 that would ensure that self-represented criminal defendants are advised of the right to counsel in remand proceedings from the appellate courts and would facilitate appointment of such counsel.
3. 2024-34 Proposed Amendment of MCR 7.316
Issue: Whether to adopt the proposed amendment of MCR 7.316 that would allow the Court to accept late applications for leave to appeal or cross-appeal in limited circumstances.
4. 2025-23 Proposed Amendment of MCR 7.210
Issue: Whether to adopt the proposed amendment of MCR 7.210 that would explicitly exempt full transcripts for appeals from certain domestic relations actions.
5. 2026-09 Amendment of MCR 6.201
Issue: Whether to retain the amendment of MCR 6.201 that requires a defendant to provide a written notice of intent to introduce expert evidence of diminished capacity (to assist courts and parties in implementing the Court’s decision in People v Madison, ___ Mich ___ (2026) (Docket No. 167120)).
6. 2026-10 Addition of MCR 2.114 and Amendment of MCR 7.209
Issue: Whether to retain the addition of MCR 2.114 that provides a process for special motions under the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act (MCL 691.1853 et seq.), and the amendment of MCR 7.209 that clarifies the availability and applicability of the stay during an appeal as contemplated by this new Act.
Speakers will appear by videoconference (Zoom); attendees who are not speaking may access the livestream on the Court’s YouTube channel. Information About Speaking at the Public Hearing:
• The hearing will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. In order to speak at the hearing, you must register as indicated below. Registered speakers will join the videoconference meeting no later than 9:30 a.m. and will be called on by the Chief Justice.
• Each registered speaker will be allotted three minutes to present their view on each agenda item for which the speaker has registered to speak, after which the Justices may present questions to that speaker. Speakers may not interject or respond to other speakers outside of the allotted time to address the Court.
• Comments offered at a public hearing must pertain directly to a matter on the public hearing agenda. Pursuant to the Code of Judicial Conduct, the court cannot entertain comments that pertain to a case or controversy.
Registration Information:
• To register to speak on an agenda item at the public hearing, an online registration form must be completed no later than Thursday, Nov. 12 at 5:00 p.m.
The form is available at https://www.courts.michigan.gov/rules-administrative-orders-and-jury-instructions/public-administrative-hearings.
Those unable to register online, you may email or call the Office of Administrative Counsel at ADMComment@courts.mi.gov or 517-373-1239.
• A few days before the hearing, all registered speakers will receive an emailed invitation to participate in the Zoom meeting.
• Speakers must turn on their camera and properly identify themselves by using their legal name in order to participate in the public hearing.
Matters on the agenda include:
1. 2022-19 Proposed Amendments of MRPC 1.5, 1.15, and 1.15A and Proposed Additions of MRPC 1.15B and 1.15C
Issue: Whether to adopt the proposed amendments of MRPC 1.5, 1.15, and 1.15A and proposed additions of MRPC 1.15B and 1.15C that would amend the rules governing IOLTAs.
2. 2024-15 Proposed Addition of MCR 6.426 and Proposed Amendments of MCR 7.216 and 7.315
Issue: Whether to adopt the proposed addition of MCR 6.426 and proposed amendments of MCR 7.216 and 7.315 that would ensure that self-represented criminal defendants are advised of the right to counsel in remand proceedings from the appellate courts and would facilitate appointment of such counsel.
3. 2024-34 Proposed Amendment of MCR 7.316
Issue: Whether to adopt the proposed amendment of MCR 7.316 that would allow the Court to accept late applications for leave to appeal or cross-appeal in limited circumstances.
4. 2025-23 Proposed Amendment of MCR 7.210
Issue: Whether to adopt the proposed amendment of MCR 7.210 that would explicitly exempt full transcripts for appeals from certain domestic relations actions.
5. 2026-09 Amendment of MCR 6.201
Issue: Whether to retain the amendment of MCR 6.201 that requires a defendant to provide a written notice of intent to introduce expert evidence of diminished capacity (to assist courts and parties in implementing the Court’s decision in People v Madison, ___ Mich ___ (2026) (Docket No. 167120)).
6. 2026-10 Addition of MCR 2.114 and Amendment of MCR 7.209
Issue: Whether to retain the addition of MCR 2.114 that provides a process for special motions under the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act (MCL 691.1853 et seq.), and the amendment of MCR 7.209 that clarifies the availability and applicability of the stay during an appeal as contemplated by this new Act.
Speakers will appear by videoconference (Zoom); attendees who are not speaking may access the livestream on the Court’s YouTube channel. Information About Speaking at the Public Hearing:
• The hearing will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. In order to speak at the hearing, you must register as indicated below. Registered speakers will join the videoconference meeting no later than 9:30 a.m. and will be called on by the Chief Justice.
• Each registered speaker will be allotted three minutes to present their view on each agenda item for which the speaker has registered to speak, after which the Justices may present questions to that speaker. Speakers may not interject or respond to other speakers outside of the allotted time to address the Court.
• Comments offered at a public hearing must pertain directly to a matter on the public hearing agenda. Pursuant to the Code of Judicial Conduct, the court cannot entertain comments that pertain to a case or controversy.
Registration Information:
• To register to speak on an agenda item at the public hearing, an online registration form must be completed no later than Thursday, Nov. 12 at 5:00 p.m.
The form is available at https://www.courts.michigan.gov/rules-administrative-orders-and-jury-instructions/public-administrative-hearings.
Those unable to register online, you may email or call the Office of Administrative Counsel at ADMComment@courts.mi.gov or 517-373-1239.
• A few days before the hearing, all registered speakers will receive an emailed invitation to participate in the Zoom meeting.
• Speakers must turn on their camera and properly identify themselves by using their legal name in order to participate in the public hearing.
