Michigan Supreme Court

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Michigan Supreme Court approves pilot program for domestic cases in four counties

Approved pilot program

Starting Jan. 1, domestic-related cases in four West Michigan counties will automatically enter a pilot program that changes how courts handle evidence, paperwork, and cross-examination. The Michigan Supreme Court approved the program, which aims to make the legal process less adversarial for survivors of domestic violence.

Updated Yesterday

Michigan Supreme Court limits sex offender registry law to post-2011 cases

Rule Changes

As of September 2026: Ruled Betts applies retroactively in People v. Shaver

Michigan's Supreme Court ruled that the state cannot enforce its sex offender registration law against people whose crimes predate July 1, 2011. The unanimous decision, issued Sept. 9 in People v. Smith, found the 2021 amendments to the registration act are unconstitutional ex post facto punishment for those offenders.

Updated Sep 16