For those interested in an updated list (by my unofficial count) of the matters the Court has decided since August 1, 2021 or ordered for later argument, see below (you have to scroll to the right to see all the content for some of the tabs) or view it in full screen by clicking here….
A new (to me) online dictionary tool: OneLook
I am still exploring this online resource, OneLook Dictionary Search. It’s not possible to embed its homepage into this post so this screengrab must do. The landing page shows why it has me saying: Wow! And bookmarking it for future use. Enjoy!
Easy redaction pre-mark flags and redaction verifications using Adobe Acrobat Pro DC’s “Find Text & Redact” tool to protect personally identifiable information (PII)
Problem: Some civil attorneys, prosecutors, and criminal defense attorneys struggle with reviewing and redacting personal identifying information (PII) before their public documents are filed (traditional or electronically) with Michigan courts. Why it really matters: Litigants, witnesses, and crime victims are unnecessarily placed at risk for identity theft or other possible harm when PII is not…
The 3 Fs
Let’s look at what makes for “friendly formatted footnotes.” The focus isn’t on whether to footnote. Style preferences vary among Michigan Supreme Court justices, for example. One justice’s 32-page opinion may include 87 footnotes. Yet another’s 27-page opinion has none. But if you do footnote, here are some friendly formatting steps to make them easier…
Legal writing with emojis
The Court of Appeals in Washington state recently reversed a conviction because the state prosecutor invoked racist rhetoric at trial. State v. McKenzie, No. 38555-8-III (Wash. Ct. App. Apr. 21, 2022). The opinion’s misconduct analysis is powerful and worth the read. It’s also nice to see the state judiciary’s ongoing commitment in this area. If…
Thinking about Steven Sondheim’s warning and public confidence in the courts
How do you say to your child in the nightNothing is all black but then nothing is all white?How do you say it will all be alrightWhen you know that it mightn’t be true?What do you do? Careful the things you sayChildren will listenCareful the things you doChildren will seeAnd learnChildren may not obeyBut children…
Looking forward: When “some” legislative history may be unhelpful
Michigan’s P.A. 2022, No. 36 will be a great law. The Governor signed it yesterday and it will go into effect in 180 days. What it will do: The proof of service for the summons and complaints of civil lawsuits will no longer have to be notarized when served by an adult (who is not…
“Progress over perfection” works
I’m opting for “progress over perfection” but perhaps you’ve seen the phrase as “progress not perfection.” Same vibe. I’m adding it to my mental toolbox because of two recent examples. Accessibility expert Meryl Evans recently shared an example on LinkedIn: This scenario is exactly why I’ve been pushing for progress, not perfection. A dear friend…
Two service-friendly court practices: pronouns; appearance flexibility by default
Some courts in Canada and at least one Texas probate court judge are showing how easy it can be to make welcomed user-friendly changes to their day-to-day operations. Ever wonder how to respectfully handle the topic of pronouns? Look to Canada. British Columbia’s provincial and supreme court systems each adopted new rules in late 2020…