Timeline of a case Duncan et al v. State of Michigan

February 2007: ACLU files suit in Ingham County on behalf of indigent defendants in Berrien, Muskegon and Genesee Counties, alleging the public defense systems in the three counties are unconstitutional and compelling the state to provide indigent representation consistent with national standards and constitutional norms. May 2007: Ingham County Judge Laura Baird rejects state's motion to dismiss. June 2009: Michigan Court of Appeals rejects state's appeal of Judge Baird's refusal to dismiss. April 30, 2010: Michigan Supreme Court unanimously upholds appellate court's decision. July 16, 2010: On a motion to reconsider, the Michigan Supreme Court votes 4-3 to vacate its April 30 decision and reverses the Court of Appeals, relying on the appellate court's dissent opinion. Sept. 23, 2010: Republican Justice Elizabeth Weaver, one of the four justices in the July 16 reversal of the Court of Appeals decision, resigns from the court. Gov. Jennifer Granholm appoints Judge Alton T. Davis, a Democrat, to fill Weaver's vacancy. Nov. 2, 2010: Justice Davis fails to win election to keep Weaver's seat. Challenger Mary Beth Kelly and incumbent Robert A. Young, both Republicans, are elected to the court, restoring a GOP majority beginning Jan. 1, 2011. Nov. 30, 2010: Lame duck Democratic majority on the Michigan Supreme Court votes 4-3 to reconsider and vacate the court's July 16 decision and reinstates its April 30 decision upholding the appellate court's refusal to dismiss the case, sending the case back to Ingham County for trial on its merits. Jan. 1, 2011: Republican majority to be restored on Michigan Supreme Court. Published: Mon, Dec 6, 2010

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