If you care about Michigan, please support our work.
Donate TodayMichigan Supreme Court
Articles
Democratic wins shift power balance on Michigan Supreme Court
Wins for Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack and Grand Rapids attorney Elizabeth Welch have shifted the ideological makeup of Michigan’s high court from a 4-3 conservative majority to a 4-3 majority of justices nominated by Democrats.
Coronavirus powers ruling puts spotlight on Michigan Supreme Court election
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s emergency powers were effectively ended by a 4-3 decision Friday, with the court majority nominated by Republicans. Voters will decide two seats in November that could tip the balance.
COVID masks can still be required in Michigan schools, despite ruling
How does Friday’s Supreme Court ruling upending Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s emergency power authority impact coronavirus mandates in Michigan schools? We answer some of your major questions.
GOP leader: No mask mandates, Michigan needs to learn to live with coronavirus
One day after Michigan Supreme Court rules Gov. Gretchen Whitmer can’t impose emergency powers during pandemic without input from lawmakers, Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey says the panel is unlikely to agree to far-reaching restrictions. ‘The virus ultimately was going to win,’ he says.
Michigan Supreme Court rules Whitmer lacks COVID-19 emergency powers
A divided court declared unconstitutional a 1945 law Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has used to issue orders without input from the Legislature. The GOP declares it a ‘great day’ and the fate of 120-plus orders from Whitmer are now in question.
Gov. Whitmer, GOP clash on Michigan ban on public funds for private schools
Religious and non-public school groups want the Michigan Supreme Court to strike down a constitutional amendment banning taxpayer funding for private schools, arguing it was motivated by anti-Catholic bias and violates free exercise rights.
Michigan to allow cellphones in all courts, striking down local bans
Lawyers and advocates argued that cellphone bans create barriers to justice, while some judges raised concerns over court chaos.
Michigan Supreme Court urged to release Bill Schuette emails on private accounts
A liberal advocacy group argues the state is unjustly refusing to give up government emails the group requested in 2016. Current Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office has picked up Schuette’s defense, citing technical concerns with the suit.
Bill Schuette opts against Michigan Supreme Court run
Bill Schuette, the former congressman and attorney general who ran for governor last year, was considered a top Republican recruit for the Michigan Supreme Court.
Teens raped in Michigan prisons can get day in court, Supreme Court says
The Michigan Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal made by the state in a lawsuit filed by former teen inmates alleging the Department of Corrections didn’t do enough to prevent them from being raped.
Michigan minimum wage, paid sick leave case to get Supreme Court review
The state’s high court will hear arguments in July on whether the Legislature followed the rules when it watered down the impact of citizen-drafted legislation to raise Michigan’s minimum wage and require employers to offer paid sick leave. But the court stopped short of saying it will issue an opinion.
GOP lawmakers want Michigan Supreme Court to rule on minimum wage, sick leave
A request from the Republican-majority Legislature would sidestep the traditional litigation process, and do an end-run around Democratic Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Michigan Supreme Court up for grabs after 2018 election
Out with a reliable conservative justice, in with a progressive, and it’s anyone’s guess which way a more closely divided high court in Michigan will swing following years of Republican advantage.
Who's running for Michigan Supreme Court
The six lawyers running for two open seats include two nominated by Democrats, two nominated by Republicans, a Libertarian and a man who poses in a straightjacket.
Amid jeers, Michigan Republicans select a supreme court justice who strayed
Elizabeth Clement, an incumbent justice who voted in favor of two Republican-opposed causes, secured her party’s nomination Saturday despite some palpable frustration on the convention floor.
Minimum wage hike on November ballot, pending Michigan Supreme Court appeal
The Board of State Canvassers on Friday voted to certify the proposal, following a Michigan Court of Appeals ruling this week ordering that a citizen petition to raise the state’s minimum wage to $12 appear on the November ballot.
Republican Supreme Court justices have ties to Michigan gerrymandering group
A campaign treasurer for Republican-backed justices is on the board of a dark-money group that helped finance the drawing of GOP-friendly legislative districts, federal records show. The justices say they didn’t know.
Michigan Supreme Court votes 4-3 to keep redistricting proposal on ballot
Michigan’s highest court rules that voters can decide in November whether to approve a measure that would put an independent commission in charge of redrawing legislative lines in the state. Two Republicans join two Dems.
Four takeaways from Michigan Supreme Court upholding redistricting ballot proposal
A high-priced battle and a wedge issue for governor. What did the Supreme Court ruling change?
Michigan politicians, others react to Supreme Court redistricting decision
Michigan's high court, in a 4-3 decision, approved a proposed ballot proposal that would change how the state draws legislative lines. See how politicians and experts reacted to the news.