Members of the Michigan Supreme Court posed for a picture at the 28th Court Community Connections program in Flint on October 18.
(Photo courtesy of Michigan Supreme Court)
On Wednesday, October 18, the Michigan Supreme Court (MSC) heard oral arguments in the Karen E. Faction-Hamilton Auditorium at Powers Catholic High School in Flint before students from 10 local schools as part of its 28th Court Community Connections program. This program aims to engage high school students in learning about the judicial branch, particularly the appellate system.
"Like us, you have already studied this case. You know what the issues are. You've come to today's hearing with questions you would ask if you were a Justice," said Chief Justice Elizabeth T. Clement in opening remarks to the students in the audience. "And when the Court issues its decision, you will get to analyze our ruling and decide whether you agree or would have done things differently."
The program placed special emphasis on education, ensuring that students and the community gained foundational knowledge about Michigan's judiciary, the appellate process, and the intricacies of this groundbreaking case. The case marks a precedent-setting event in Michigan, as the Court grapples with the question of whether a northern Michigan township may have violated a family's Fourth Amendment rights by employing a drone for surveillance on their private property.
Before the court session commenced, MSC Chief Commissioner Daniel Brubaker and MSC Commissioner Liza Moore, who presided over this specific case, offered the audience a detailed overview of the case's procedural history and the issues before the Supreme Court that morning.
Following oral argument Brubaker moderated a public debriefing session during which students asked questions of the attorneys who argued the case. Students also had the opportunity to meet and take photos with the justices during a reception.
In addition to the historic hearing, Genesee County Circuit Court Chief Judge David J. Newblatt spotlighted the work of local courts-specialty and problem-solving courts, in particular-before introducing U.S. Army veteran Marcus Garvin, a graduate and volunteer mentor of the Genesee County Veterans Treatment Court. Garvin shared a compelling account of his life before and since graduating from vet court, illustrating how problem-solving courts adopt a "unique and compassionate approach to justice" in prioritizing rehabilitation over punishment.
The Supreme Court thanks the following judges for attending: Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Colleen O'Brien and the following Genesee County judges:
7th Judicial Circuit Court:
Judge Ariana E. Heath
Judge Celeste D. Bell
Judge B. Chris Christenson
Judge Khary L. Hanible
Judge Elizabeth A. Kelly
Judge Mark Latchana
Judge Colleen O'Brien
Judge John A. Gadola
Judge David Newblatt
Judge Brian S. Pickell
67th District Court:
Judge Richard Ball
Judge Duncan M. Beagle
Judge William H. Crawford II
Judge Joseph J. Farah
Judge G. David Guinn
Judge Jessica J. Hammon
Judge Mark C. McCabe
Judge Herman Marable Jr.
Judge Jennifer J. Manley
Judge Nathaniel C. Perry III
Judge Christopher R. Odette
Judge David J. Goggins
Judge Tabitha M. Marsh
Students who participated in the program came from these area high schools:
• Doyle-Ryder
• Fenton High School (virtually)
• Genesee Early College
• Hamady High School
• International Academy of Flint (virtually)
• Lake Fenton High School
• Mott Middle College High School
• Powers Catholic High School
• Southwestern Classical Academy
• Swartz Creek High School
