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March 16, 2020
Volume 18, Issue 11

Resources for Attorneys & FAQ About Coronavirus

In the Capitol

Legislation Introduced 03/10–03/12
Last week bills were introduced in the following areas of law:

At the Court

Unanimous Order Authorizes Courts to take Emergency Measures; Order allows courts to take additional action to slow spread of COVID-19

Administrative Order
ADM File No. 2020-08: Adoption of Administrative Order No. 2020-1
During the state of emergency, trial courts should be mindful that taking reasonable steps to protect the public is more important than strict adherence to normal operating procedures or time guidelines standards. The Court encourages trial courts to cooperate as much as possible with the efforts of the Governor and other state and local officials to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, consistent with our duty to provide essential court services, protect public safety, and remain accessible to the public.
Issued: 3/15/20
Effective: Immediately

Rule Amendments
ADM File No. 2014-46: Amendment of MCR 6.508 The amendment of MCR 6.508 allows a court to consider previously-decided claims in the context of a new claim for relief, consistent with footnote 17 in People v Johnson, 502 Mich 541 (2018) or where such previously-decided claims (in conjunction with a new claim) create a significant possibility of actual innocence.
Issued: 3/11/20
Effective: 5/1/20

ADM File No. 2018-24: Amendment of MCR 8.301
The amendment of MCR 8.301 makes the rule consistent with the statute (MCL 600.834) allowing only the probate registers and deputy probate registers to perform certain administrative tasks that would otherwise be performed by the probate judge.  
Issued: 3/11/20
Effective: 5/1/20

ADM File No. 2018-34: Amendment of MCR 6.425
The amendment of MCR 6.425 clarifies that criminal defendants whose request for counsel due to indigency are denied are entitled to appeal that denial.
Issued: 3/11/20
Effective: 5/1/20

ADM File No. 2018-35: Amendment of MCR 8.108
The amendment of MCR 8.108 clarifies the rule regarding preparation and filing of transcripts including that a court reporter or court recorder shall file their transcripts with a court when produced for a party or for the court.
Issued: 3/11/20
Effective: 5/1/20

ADM File No. 2019-12: Amendments of MCR 3.206, 3.931, and 3.961
The amendments of MCR 3.206, 3.931, and 3.961 previously adopted by order dated September 11, 2019, are retained; further amendments are included in this order to also add tribal cases to the description of other cases that must be listed on the inventory form, if known.
Issued: 3/11/20
Effective: Immediately

Proposed Amendments
ADM File No. 2019-33: Proposed Administrative Order No. 2020-X
This proposed administrative order would establish a mandatory continuing judicial education program for the state’s justices, judges, and quasi-judicial officers.
Issued: 3/11/20
Comment Period Expires: 7/1/20

At the Bar

March 24 Board of Commissioners Public Policy Agenda
The SBM Board of Commissioners will be considering several public policy items at their March 24 meeting. The public policy agenda can be reviewed online. Members of the State Bar are invited to submit comments to the Board of Commissioners on any of the items on the agenda. All comments received before the meeting will be shared with the Board.

MSC Authorizes Courts to take Emergency Measures Over COVID-19

Resources for Attorneys & FAQ About Coronavirus

50-Year Golden Celebration is Cancelled

Scams Targeting Attorneys Reported in Michigan

Economics of Law Practice Survey 2020


Links of Interest

SBM Public Policy Resource Center
Public Acts
Michigan Supreme Court
Michigan Legislature
MCL Search Engines