The Michigan Supreme Court Overturns Kreiner Decision: The 2004 decision in Kreiner v. Fisher, which held that noneconomic damages from an automobile accident were unjustified unless the injury caused a major impairment, was overturned on July 31, 2010, in the case of McCormick v. Carrier.

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan: Elena Kagan was sworn in on August 7. She will serve alongside Justices Ruth Bader Ginsberg and Sonia Sotomayor, which marks the first time the Court has been one-third female.
See also: Justice Elena Kagan's U.S. Supreme Court Swearing

In the Capitol
The Michigan House of Representatives has canceled session for August 11. The next scheduled session day is August 17 at 1:30 p.m. The Michigan Senate will be in session on August 11 at 10 a.m.
House Schedule
Senate Schedule

Complete Committee Meeting List

New Public Acts

At the Bar
Judicial Vacancy—51st District Court
Hon. Phyllis McMillen is vacating her seat on the 51st District Court. State Bar members interested in applying for the judgeship should submit an application by August 16, 2010.
View Information

Register for the Annual Meeting

In Memoriam: James K. Robinson, 56th President of the State Bar of Michigan

Lawyers with Trust Accounts are Impacted by the New Trust Account Overdraft Notification (TAON) Rule

Two New Ethics Opinions:
• Limitation of Scope with Client's Consent
• Nonlawyer Assistants' Communication With Clients

Federal News
A Deep Bench of Substitute Justices Goes Unused
(Washington Post, 8/9/10)

State News
Federal Aid Helps, But It Doesn't Fix Budget
(Lansing State Journal, 8/9/10)

Links of Interest
Public Policy Resource Center | Michigan Supreme Court | Michigan Legislature | MCL Search Engines