Daily Briefs

 New web inquiry tool enhances public access to Court of Claims

The Michigan Supreme Court announced Friday that public access to Court of Claims information has been enhanced through a new web inquiry tool that facilitates searches for case and hearing information. The tool allows the public to search for cases by party name, case number and case type. Users can also access a convenient calendar function that generates hearing information by specified date ranges and judges. 

The Court of Claims is a court of statewide, limited jurisdiction that hears and determines all civil actions filed against the State of Michigan and its agencies. These cases include highway defect, medical malpractice, contracts, constitutional claims, prisoner litigation, tax-related suits, and other claims. 
 
 “The new web inquiry tool is part of a comprehensive Supreme Court initiative to improve service to the public,” said Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert P. Young, Jr. “Our goal is to implement technologies that increase access and make it more convenient for the public to get their business done.”

 Launch of the new web inquiry tool comes as the Court of Claims passes its six-month anniversary at the Michigan Court of Appeals. When the court was transferred from Ingham County in November, 2013, there were 114 open cases.  Over the past six months, 125 new cases have been filed and a total of 89 cases have been cleared. Currently, the Court of Claims is handling 150 open cases and the first trial proceedings are scheduled for summer 2014.

Court of Appeals Judges Michael J. Talbot (Chief Judge), Pat M. Donofrio, Deborah A. Servitto, and Amy Ronayne Krause serve as judges of the Court of Claims. The judges assumed their Court of Claims caseload while retaining a full caseload with the Court of Appeals. 
 

Holiday Hours

 
The Third Circuit Court Civil, Criminal and Family Divisions will be closed on Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day.
 
In observance of Memorial Day, the 36th District Court will be closed to the public on Monday, May 26. Felony arraignment hearings will be held at the 34th District Court in Romulus. The court will reopen on Tuesday, May 27.

The Wayne County Probate Court will be closed in observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 26 and will reopen on Tuesday, May 27,  at 8 a.m.

The Michigan Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, and the State Court Administrative Office will be closed Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day.
 

SBM Spring-Board event to be held June 5

The State Bar of Michigan Labor & Employment Law and Alternative Dispute Resolution Sections will present their Spring-Board event on Thursday, June 5, from 4 - 8 p.m. at the Reserve at Big Rock Chophouse in Birmingham. Join a series of roundtable discussions followed by an evening of networking and complimentary beer, wine, and hors d’oeuvres. This year the seminar will cover “The ABCs of ADR.” Come armed with all of your questions. $50 in advance.

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