Courts
Rulings, investigations, and legal decisions affecting Michiganders.
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Michigan Supreme Court Bans Civil Immigration Arrests at Courthouses
The Michigan Supreme Court adopted a rule banning civil immigration arrests at state and local courthouses to protect access to judicial proceedings, a move that aligns the state with New York, Connecticut and Illinois while drawing criticism from a dissenting Republican justice.
April 30, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - courts
Convicted Child Sex Offender Found Dead at Michigan Prison, Homicide Investigation Underway
Michigan State Police are investigating the death of 73-year-old inmate Daniel Keith Hosmer at the Macomb Correctional Facility as a homicide. The prisoner, serving a sentence for sexual offenses against children, died after lifesaving measures proved unsuccessful.
April 26, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - courts
Michigan Court Strips Pregnant Women's End-of-Life Rights Under State Law
Michigan Court of Claims Judge Sima Patel strikes down pregnancy exclusion in advance directives law, ruling it violates women's reproductive freedom rights under Proposal 3.
April 21, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - courts
Genesee County Prosecutor Faces Layoffs as State Grant Funding Runs Dry
Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton faces potential layoffs of 21 employees as state grant funding for the High-Crime Community Support Grant program runs dry, despite promises of continuous annual funding.
April 17, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - courts
Second Man Sentenced in 2022 Michigan Election Signature Fraud Scheme
Willie Reed sentenced to up to 20 years in prison and ordered to pay $333,817 in restitution for conducting criminal enterprise and defrauding candidates of nearly $350,000 in the 2022 Michigan election signature fraud scheme
April 16, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - courts
Four Grand Blanc Township Firefighters Sue Over Alleged Retaliation Following Chief Support
Four Grand Blanc Township firefighters filed a federal lawsuit claiming retaliation for publicly supporting Fire Chief Jamie Jent after a deadly church attack. The plaintiffs allege their First Amendment rights were violated when Superintendent Dennis Liimatta changed hiring procedures.
April 16, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - courts
Michigan Supreme Court Weighs Juvenile Lifer Resentencing in Cases That Could Redefine Long-Term Sentences
Michigan Supreme Court hears two cases challenging whether lengthy prison terms for crimes committed as children violate the state constitution
April 14, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - courts
Michigan Suspends Driver's Licenses Without Confirming Courts Held Required Hearings
The Secretary of State's office executes thousands of license suspensions from FOC offices each year. There is no system to verify the courts followed the law first.
April 13, 2026·James Thornton·9 sources - courts
Michigan Supreme Court Weighs Whether 50-Year Prison Term Constitutes De Facto Life Sentence for Juvenile Offender
The Michigan Supreme Court heard arguments in a case challenging whether a 50 to 75 year sentence for a 16-year-old offender violates the state constitution. The decision could reshape sentencing guidelines for dozens of juvenile offenders across Michigan.
April 13, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - courts
Michigan Supreme Court to Decide Whether State House Was Required to Present Nine Bills to Governor
The Michigan Supreme Court will hear arguments in May on whether the state House was required to present nine bills to Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The Senate sued the House after it refused to deliver legislation that passed during the previous Democratic-led session.
April 11, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - courts
Michigan Supreme Court Weighs Whether Long Prison Terms for Juvenile Murderers Count as Life Sentences
Michigan Supreme Court hears oral arguments on whether long prison terms for juvenile murderers count as de facto life sentences under state constitution
April 10, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - courts
Michigan Senate Committee Advances Violent Crime Clearance Act Amid Calls for More Resources
Michigan Senate Committee passes Violent Crime Clearance Act to help law enforcement solve more violent crimes through additional resources and technology upgrades
April 9, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - courts
Michigan Supreme Court Weighs Juvenile Lifer Sentences as Prosecutors Push for Renewed Prison Terms
Michigan Supreme Court justices consider cases that could redefine sentencing for young people convicted of crimes, with prosecutors pushing for renewed prison terms while defense attorneys argue the court must establish clear sentencing boundaries.
April 9, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - courts
Michigan Supreme Court to Decide Whether 50-Year Sentence for Juvenile Murder Constitutes Life in Prison
The Michigan Supreme Court is weighing whether a 50-year prison term for a crime committed while the defendant was 16 constitutes a de facto life sentence. The court also decided on a separate case involving Fifth Amendment rights for juvenile resentencing.
April 9, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - courts
Michigan Supreme Court to Decide Whether South Haven Has Immunity in Beach Drowning Lawsuit
Michigan Supreme Court will decide whether the City of South Haven has governmental immunity in a wrongful death lawsuit after an 18-year-old drowned at a city beach in 2020. The lower court ruled in the city's favor in September 2025, but the state Supreme Court is now reviewing whether beach operations qualify as a governmental function or proprietary function.
April 9, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - courts
Michigan Supreme Court to Hear Whether South Haven Can Be Held Liable After Teen Drowned at Public Beach
The Michigan Supreme Court will hear arguments on whether the city of South Haven enjoys governmental immunity in a wrongful death lawsuit after an 18-year-old drowned at a public beach in 2020. The case centers on whether beach operations count as a governmental function or a proprietary business activity.
April 9, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - courts
Michigan Supreme Court to Hear Government Immunity Case After South Haven Beach Drowning
Michigan Supreme Court to hear government immunity case after Brandon Chambers drowned at South Haven beach in 2020. Case could reshape how state handles municipal liability for injuries on public property.
April 8, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - courts
Michigan AG Leads 32-State Coalition to Defend Geofence Warrants Before Supreme Court
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joins a 32-state coalition defending geofence warrants before the U.S. Supreme Court in a case that could shape how law enforcement uses location data from technology companies.
April 8, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - courts
Supreme Court Conversion Therapy Ruling Threatens Michigan Law Protecting LGBTQ+ Youth
US Supreme Court ruling against Colorado conversion therapy ban may allow Catholic counselors to resume counseling services prohibited under Michigan law, prompting state officials to evaluate their legal options.
April 7, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - courts
Supreme Court Weighs Michigan Tax Auction Case That Could Reshape Property Rights Nationwide
The U.S. Supreme Court is deciding whether local governments can keep surplus equity from homes they auction to pay tax debts, or must compensate homeowners for full market value. The case involves a Michigan family who lost their $200,000 home after foreclosure for a $2,000 tax debt they never owed.
April 7, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - courts
Michigan Supreme Court Set to Decide Whether Legislature Can Be Bound by Previous Term's Bills
Michigan Supreme Court will hear oral arguments this May in a legal battle between the Senate and House over whether nine bills passed during the 2023-2024 session must be delivered to Governor Whitmer. The bills cover public employee health care, corrections officer retirements, and wage garnishment rules.
April 7, 2026·Michigan Capitol·5 sources - courts
Michigan Senate Passes Anti-Terrorism Bill to Clarify Threat Standards
Michigan Senate unanimously passes anti-terrorism bill clarifying threat standards to address constitutional concerns raised by courts
April 7, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - courts
U.S. Supreme Court Blocks Michigan Conversion Therapy Ban, Opening Door for Catholic Charities Challenge
U.S. Supreme Court ruling against Colorado conversion therapy ban strengthens legal challenge to Michigan's similar law, with Catholic Charities seeking to block enforcement on free speech grounds.
April 7, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - courts
Michigan's Conversion Therapy Ban Put in Jeopardy After Supreme Court Strikes Down Colorado Law
Michigan's conversion therapy ban for LGBTQ+ youth faces legal uncertainty after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a similar Colorado law, with state officials saying they are examining their options as the federal case moves forward.
April 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·9 sources - courts
Michigan Attorney General Joins Multi-State Lawsuit Challenging Trump's Vote-by-Mail Executive Order
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined 24 attorneys general and governors in suing the Trump administration over a March 31 executive order that seeks to create a federal list of eligible voters and restricts mail-in voting, calling it unconstitutional federal overreach.
April 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - courts
Michigan Supreme Court Bars City of Troy From Profiting on Building Permit Fees After 15-Year Battle
The Michigan Supreme Court has ruled against the City of Troy after 15 years of litigation over building permit fees, ordering the city to pay $575,000 in fees and barring it from profiting on permit collections. The ruling sets a precedent for how Michigan municipalities may calculate and spend building department fees under the state Construction Code Act and Headlee Amendment.
April 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - courts
Michigan Attorney General Charges Macomb County Dentist with Racketeering in Massive Alleged Medicaid Fraud Scheme
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has charged a Macomb County dentist with racketeering and 131 counts of Medicaid fraud in an alleged scheme involving dental crowns that were billed but never provided to patients.
April 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - courts
Michigan Lawmakers Consider Family Court Overhaul to Bring Specialized Training and Consistency to Custody Cases
Michigan House Bill 5445 would require specialized training for family court judges and create a non-rotating bench to improve consistency in custody and child welfare cases.
April 6, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - courts
Michigan House Rep. Sarah Lightner Pushes to Eliminate Court Fees Sunset, Warns of Budget Cuts Coming
Michigan House Rep. Sarah Lightner advocates for eliminating the expiration on court fee collection, warning legislators will face significant budget cuts in fiscal 2027 when they return from spring break on April 14.
April 5, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - courts
Michigan Attorney General Charges Macomb County Dentist with 131 Counts of Medicaid Fraud in Alleged Dental Crowns Scheme
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced April 3 that a Macomb County dentist faces 131 counts of Medicaid fraud and one count of racketeering in an alleged scheme involving unnecessary dental crowns billed to the state's Medicaid program.
April 5, 2026·Michigan Capitol·5 sources - courts
Michigan Attorney General Leads Bipartisan Coalition on Geofence Warrants and Election Lawsuits
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel leads a bipartisan coalition of 32 attorneys general in filing amicus briefs with the Supreme Court on geofence warrants and challenges a federal executive order on mail-in ballots through a coalition of 24 attorneys general and governors.
April 5, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - courts
Michigan Red Flag Law Data Becomes Inaccessible to Public After Reporting Change
Michigan State Police denied public records request after courts began reporting ERPO data directly into Law Enforcement Information Network, making it difficult for researchers and the public to assess the red flag law's implementation
April 5, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - courts
Second Lawsuit Challenges Michigan's 24% Marijuana Wholesale Tax as Legal Battle Heats Up
Michigan's cannabis industry files second lawsuit challenging 24% wholesale tax, arguing it creates unconstitutional tax pyramiding that exceeds state's 6% sales tax cap and threatens road funding.
April 5, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - courts
Michigan Supreme Court Lets Line 5 Permit Appeal Stand While Enbridge Moves Forward With Tunnel Project
The U.S. Supreme Court rejected Michigan's sovereign immunity claim in the Line 5 pipeline lawsuit, while the Michigan Supreme Court considers a permit appeal that would allow Enbridge to complete its tunnel project under the Straits of Mackinac.
April 5, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - courts
Michigan Joins 25-State Coalition Suing Trump Administration Over Unlawful Election Executive Order
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joins 25-state coalition in lawsuit challenging Trump executive order that would establish national voter lists and restrict mail-in ballot distribution, arguing the Constitution gives states authority to run elections.
April 4, 2026·Michigan Capitol·5 sources - courts
U.S. Supreme Court Refuses to Hear Michigan's Line 5 Appeal; Governor Orders Tariff Refund Assistance
The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to hear Michigan's appeal in the Line 5 pipeline case, leaving lower court rulings that allow Enbridge to sue the state over its shutdown efforts. Meanwhile, Gov. Whitmer directed state agencies to help Michigan businesses pursue refunds from unconstitutional tariffs.
April 4, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - courts
Three Years Later, Opioid Settlement Funds Still Sitting in Bank Accounts Across Michigan Counties
More than three years after Michigan communities began receiving millions from a national opioid lawsuit settlement, some have yet to spend any of the funds. A new report from the Attorney General's office will provide details on how communities across the state are handling the critical funding meant to help those battling addiction.
April 4, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - courts
Michigan Attorney General Joins 21-State Coalition Lawsuit Challenging Trump Administration's Rollback of Power Plant Emissions Standards
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joins a coalition of 21 states and local governments in challenging the Trump administration's rollback of stricter federal limits on toxic air pollutants from coal and oil-fired power plants.
April 3, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - courts
U.S. Supreme Court Rejects Michigan's Appeal in Enbridge Line 5 Pipeline Case, Allowing Lawsuit to Proceed
The U.S. Supreme Court rejected Michigan's appeal to use sovereign immunity in an Enbridge Line 5 lawsuit, allowing the Canadian oil company to proceed with its legal challenge against state efforts to shut down the pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac.
April 3, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - courts
Supreme Court Rejects Michigan's Line 5 Sovereignty Claim, Opens Federal Door for Enbridge Lawsuit
The U.S. Supreme Court rejected Michigan's sovereign immunity claim in the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline case, allowing the energy company to proceed with a federal lawsuit to maintain operations of the controversial facility beneath the Straits of Mackinac.
April 3, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - courts
Michigan Attorney General Vows Legal Challenge to Trump's Federal Election Oversight Executive Order
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel vows to challenge President Trump's new executive order expanding federal election oversight, calling it unconstitutional and unlawful.
April 3, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - courts
Michigan Health Officials Recommend Early Measles Vaccines for Infants Amid Spreading Outbreak
Michigan state health officials have recommended that infants ages 6-11 months receive an accelerated measles vaccine dose in seven southeast Michigan counties amid a spreading outbreak that has reached Monroe County from Washtenaw County.
April 3, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - courts
Enbridge Line 5 Tunnel Project Raises Safety Concerns After New Geologic Report Released
A new geotechnical report on Enbridge's Line 5 tunnel project has raised safety concerns among opponents, highlighting potential risks including weak bedrock, high water pressure and dangerous gases beneath the Straits of Mackinac.
April 3, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - courts
Michigan Attorney General Nessel Wins Federal Court Ruling Blocking Trump Administration From Cutting Permanent Housing Grants
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel won a federal appeals court ruling that blocks the Trump administration from imposing new restrictions on Continuum of Care grants, protecting approximately 7,000 households in Michigan from losing housing assistance.
April 3, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - courts
Michigan House Passes Premises Liability Bill Restoring 'Open and Obvious' Defense After Supreme Court Rulings
Michigan House passes bill restoring 'open and obvious' defense for property owners after Supreme Court rulings changed premises liability standards in 2023.
April 3, 2026·Michigan Capitol·6 sources - courts
Michigan AG Wins Court Battle Against Trump Administration's Homelessness Funding Restrictions
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel wins federal appeals court ruling against Trump administration's restrictions on homeless assistance grants that would have affected 7,000 households in Michigan.
April 3, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - courts
Michigan Opioid Settlement Funds Remain Unspent in Many Communities Three Years Later
Michigan communities have received millions in opioid settlement funds since 2023, but more than 40% of communities haven't spent any of it three years later, with approximately $90 million sitting in bank accounts statewide.
April 3, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - courts
U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on Conversion Therapy Ban Casts Doubt on Michigan Law
U.S. Supreme Court's 8-1 ruling striking down Colorado's conversion therapy ban now casts doubt on Michigan's similar law, which was blocked by a federal appeals court in December 2025 but is pending further legal review.
April 2, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - courts
Michigan Communities Still Sitting on Millions in Opioid Settlement Funds Three Years Later
More than three years after Michigan communities began receiving millions from an opioid lawsuit settlement, some local governments are only now preparing to begin disbursing funds, with nearly $90 million still unspent according to a recent investigation.
April 2, 2026·Michigan Capitol·5 sources - courts
U.S. Supreme Court Rejects Michigan's Appeal in Line 5 Sovereign Immunity Case, Allows Enbridge to Sue State
The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected Michigan's appeal in the Line 5 pipeline lawsuit, ruling that the state does not have sovereign immunity to shield it from Enbridge's federal lawsuit. This decision allows Enbridge to continue its legal efforts to maintain operations of the pipeline while the state pursues other legal avenues.
April 2, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - courts
Michigan Supreme Court Set to Hear Dispute Between Senate and House Over Nine Stalled Bills
Michigan Supreme Court set to hear May arguments in Senate v. House dispute over nine stalled bills from prior legislative session that never reached Governor Whitmer for signature.
April 2, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - courts
Michigan's Conversion Therapy Ban Faces Legal Challenge After U.S. Supreme Court Ruling
Michigan's 2023 conversion therapy ban protecting LGBTQ+ youth faces renewed legal challenge after U.S. Supreme Court strikes down similar Colorado law on free speech grounds.
April 2, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - courts
U.S. Supreme Court Ruling Puts Michigan Conversion Therapy Ban in Jeopardy as Legal Battle Continues
U.S. Supreme Court ruling against Colorado conversion therapy ban is expected to affect Michigan's similar law, which has been on hold since December 2025. Legal parties must meet within 14 days to determine next steps.
April 2, 2026·Michigan Capitol·4 sources - courts
Michigan Supreme Court to Decide Fate of Line 5 Tunnel Permit as Pipeline Controversy Continues
The Michigan Supreme Court is set to rule on whether state regulators properly approved a tunnel permit for Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline as environmental groups and tribal nations challenge the environmental review process.
April 2, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - courts
Attorney General Dana Nessel Pursues Multiple Legal Challenges to Federal Immigration Detention Plans and Election Fraud Cases
Attorney General Dana Nessel files federal lawsuit to block planned ICE detention facility in Romulus while securing prison sentence for man convicted of 2022 election fraud scheme
April 1, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - courts
Michigan Supreme Court Set to Hear Arguments on Withheld Bills Case as Senate Sues House Over Stalled Legislation
The Michigan Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in May on a lawsuit between the state Senate and House over nine bills that passed both chambers during the 2023-2024 legislative session but never reached Governor Whitmer's desk. The bills deal with corrections officer pensions, public employee health care, and historical museum funding.
April 1, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - courts
Michigan Supreme Court to Hear House GOP Appeal in Withheld Bills Case
Michigan Supreme Court to hear May oral arguments on whether House Speaker Matt Hall violated the state Constitution by withholding nine bills passed during the 2024 session from Governor Whitmer for signature.
April 1, 2026·Michigan Capitol·5 sources - courts
Michigan State Capitol Recent Restorations Reveal Victorian Painting Secrets, 1870s Construction Tricks
Recent restoration of Michigan State Capitol reveals Victorian-era painting techniques and clever construction tricks from 1870s, showing how inexpensive materials were painted to look like marble and walnut
March 31, 2026·Michigan Capitol·2 sources - courts
U.S. Supreme Court Rejects Michigan's Sovereign Immunity Challenge in Line 5 Pipeline Lawsuit
The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected Michigan's final sovereign immunity challenge in Enbridge's federal lawsuit over Line 5, forcing the state to proceed in federal court to challenge the pipeline easement revocation order.
March 31, 2026·Michigan Capitol·3 sources - courts
Michigan Supreme Court Scheduled to Hear Oral Arguments on Withheld Bills Case This May
The Michigan Supreme Court will hear oral arguments this May on whether courts can order the House to send nine withheld bills to Governor Whitmer, raising significant questions about the separation of powers in Michigan.
March 31, 2026·Michigan Capitol·5 sources - courts
Michigan Attorney General Warns Municipalities About PFAS Settlement Claims Process
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warns municipalities to carefully review PFAS settlement claims process before hiring outside law firms, emphasizing that no separate legal representation is required to apply for settlement funds.
March 31, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source - courts
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel Announces Conviction of Fugitive Sexual Assault Offender in Northern Michigan Case
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the extradition and conviction of a fugitive sexual assault offender who abused three Northern Michigan minors in the early 2000s. The case was resolved through Operation Survivor Justice, a collaborative program between the Attorney General's office, local prosecutors, and federal law enforcement.
March 31, 2026·Michigan Capitol·1 source