In five orders released Wednesday, the Michigan Supreme Court has published for possible adoption revisions to the Michigan Court Rules on topics ranging from what the attorney grievance administrator must disclose to complainants to how to improve foreign language interpretation in courts. The links below are PDFs:
- MCR 2.116(C)(7) changes seek to clarify the procedure for bringing a motion for summary disposition on the grounds of a forum selection clause.
- MCR 9.113 changes seek to clarify that the grievance administrator is required to disclose an answer to the complainant in a Request for Investigation, but may decline to disclose supporting documents if there is good cause not to disclose the documents.
- MCR 6.419 changes offer two possible alternatives concerning the court's options in response to a motion for directed verdict of acquittal. Alternative A would fashion MCR 6.419 as a corollary to federal rule FR Crim P 29[b]), under which the trial court would be entitled to reserve judgment on a motion for directed verdict. Alternative B would allow the trial court to reconsider its decision to grant a directed verdict, as suggested by Smith v Massachusetts, 543 US 462 (2005).
- MCR 7.118 changes, submitted in concept by the State Bar's Prisons & Corrections Section, address representation of indigent prisoners upon an appeal of a decision of the Michigan Parole Board to grant parole, and provides that a request for representation must occur within 14 days of notice of the appeal.
- MCR 1.111 changes address the procedure for the appointment of foreign language interpreters, and would establish the standards for appointment would occur. MCR 8.127 changes would create a board to oversee the certification of interpreters and other interpreter-related functions, and establish procedures for disciplining interpreters who commit misconduct. The structure and responsibilities of the proposed new board resemble those of the Court Reporting and Recording Board of Review as provided in MCR 8.108.
The comment period ends Sept. 1, 2012. Comments may be sent to the Supreme Court Clerk in writing or electronically, at P.O. Box 30052, Lansing, MI 48909, or MSC_clerk@courts.mi.gov. Make sure you include the ADM File No. in your comment. All comments are posted on the Court's website.
