April 1, 2024
Volume 22, Issue 14

In the Capitol

The Legislature will not be in session until Tuesday, April 9.

In the Hall of Justice

RULE AMENDMENTS
ADM File No. 2022-30: Amendments of MRE 702 and 804
The amendment of MRE 702 requires the proponent of an expert witness’s testimony to demonstrate that it is more likely than not that the factors for admission are satisfied and clarifies that it is the expert’s opinion that must reflect a reliable application of principles and methods to the facts of the case. The amendment of MRE 804(b)(4)(B) requires corroborating circumstances of trustworthiness for any statement against interest that exposes a declarant to criminal liability.
Issued: 3/27/24
Effective: 5/1/24

ADM File No. 2022-33: Amendment of MCR 4.303
The amendment of MCR 4.303 adds a new subrule (D) to allow courts to dismiss, without prejudice, small claims cases for lack of progress 91 days after the last action and after serving notice of the proposed dismissal.
Issued: 3/27/24
Effective: 5/1/24

ADM File No. 2022-45: Amendment of MCR 9.131
The amendment of MCR 9.131 requires that the Attorney Grievance Commission (AGC) submit to the Supreme Court for review any requests for investigations received that involve allegations of attorney misconduct where the AGC administrator believes that an appearance of impropriety would arise if the AGC handled the investigation.
Issued: 3/27/24
Effective: 5/1/24

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS
ADM File No. 2024-05: Proposed Amendment of MCR 7.306
The proposed amendment of MCR 7.306 would establish a procedure for two new original actions in the Supreme Court related to presidential elections in conformity with MCL 168.46 (as amended by 2023 PA 269) and MCL 168.845a (as adopted by 2023 PA 255).
Issued: 3/27/24
Comment Period Expires: 7/1/24

ADM File No. 2022-10: Proposed Alternative Amendments of MCR 8.126
The proposed alternative amendments of MCR 8.126 would clarify and streamline the process for pro hac vice admission to practice in Michigan courts. A summary of the differences between the two alternatives is provided in the staff comment.
Issued: 3/27/24
Comment Period Expires: 7/1/24

NEWS

SCAO Promotes Court Analyst Manager to Region 5 Administrator

Supreme Court Schedules April Oral Arguments

At the Bar

NEWS

New Guidebook outlines ethical obligations for judicial candidates
An ethics guidebook is now available to assist judicial candidates and judges navigating the complexities of judicial campaigns and judicial appointments.

April 20 Representative Assembly Agenda

The Representative Assembly will be meeting on Saturday, April 20, 2024. The agenda is posted online. Members of the State Bar are invited to submit comments to Representative Assembly on the public policy items on the agenda.

Links of Interest

SBM Public Policy Resource Center
Public Acts
Michigan Supreme Court
Michigan Legislature
MCL Search Engines