Delays in justice proposed by Michigan lawmakers for Wayne County residents

Region VI of the National Bar Association, the Association of Black Judges of Michigan, the D. Augustus Straker Bar Association, the Wolverine Bar Association, and the Davis Dunnings Bar Association oppose legislation to cut the number of judicial seats on the Wayne County Circuit Court (WCCC), including House Bill 5124, Senate Bill 653, and any proposed compromise legislation supporting judicial cuts in Wayne County. On December 5, 2013, the Michigan House of Representatives passed a package of bills that cut four (4) judicial seats in WCCC, effective January 1, 2015. The Michigan Senate passed similar legislation. The cuts are principally based on a decline in felony cases filed in the county from 2010-2012, even though overall cases in the county, including civil cases, increased significantly from 2011-2012. The decline in felony cases was significantly impacted by the highly publicized reduction in attorney capacity at the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office. Nonetheless, if the proposed judicial cuts are implemented, WCCC judges' workload will increase, thus causing delays in justice for citizens in an already overstressed, understaffed, and inadequately funded judicial circuit. Wayne County residents are asked to contact their state senator and state representative and urge the defeat of the legislation or an amendment to the legislation that would reduce the number of judicial cuts from four (4) to one (1). For additional information, contact John E. Johnson, executive director, Michigan Legislative Black Caucus at johnjohnson@house.mi.gov or 313-980-0102. Published: Thu, Jan 9, 2014