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….
Crowdsourcing person-first inclusive language examples
The “sticks and stones” childhood rhyme had good intentions. But it’s wrong. Words can hurt people. And they do. People remember how they felt. Mention “words” and the “law” and many will think of: plain language, inline citations or footnotes, plead or pled, and so on. But what about noninclusive words? Those that are not…
Accessibility reminders from Justice Thomas’s inserted images in his SCOTUS opinion
Paying homage to the adorable fish-feeding story from “Mr. Rogers Neighborhood” is a fun detour before exploring Egbert v. Boule’s inserted images. The true story shows how “accessibility” work includes producing information that is perceivable to different audiences (or, perhaps, users). Five-year-old Katie’s fan letter had a simple request of Mr. Rogers: “Dear Mister Rogers,…
Six user-friendly things about the Michigan Governor’s e-filed brief
Michigan’s Governor filed a supplemental brief to the Michigan Supreme Court while the Court considers her April 7, 2022 Executive Message. The nicely formatted brief makes for an easier read. Six things stand out. [1] Spacing. Nice spacing is used in the arguments section of the table of contents page, the authorities index, and between…
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…