Domestic Violence Benchbook: A Guide to Civil and Criminal Proceedings, 3rd Edition
©2004-2008

All updates issued since this benchbook's last publication date have been integrated into the content of the benchbook. The benchbook is in PDF format and is fully searchable using Adobe Acrobat's search features. Future updates to this benchbook will be formatted according to the content and page numbers appearing in this version of the benchbook.

NOTE: This benchbook does not represent a wholesale revision of its content. It is a cumulative version of the benchbook and the updates issued for it through September 30, 2008. Indexes and other special sections are not included.

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MJI's Domestic Violence Benchbook is an integrated resource that addresses Michigan law governing domestic violence in the three courtroom contexts where it is most likely to be at issue.

• Personal protection proceedings. The statutes and court rules governing issuance and enforcement of Michigan personal protection orders are covered in detail. The discussion also addresses double jeopardy concerns and full faith and credit for sister state and tribal protection orders.

• Criminal proceedings. "Domestic violence crimes" are defined, with emphasis on domestic assault and stalking offenses. Conditional pretrial release, evidentiary problems and batterer intervention services are also discussed.

• Divorce and child custody proceedings. The discussion explores the effects of domestic violence on the court's decision-making regarding property division, support, and access to children, with consideration of interstate and international child custody disputes. In addition to the foregoing topics, this benchbook addresses firearms restrictions that arise from criminal and personal protection proceedings. Supplementing the legal discussion, the reader will find general information about the dynamics of domestic violence, and "best practice" suggestions throughout the text.

Domestic Violence Benchbook, 3rd ed, in PDF format, listed by chapter:

• Table of Contents

• Chap. 1: Understanding Domestic Abuse

• Chap. 2: Community Domestic Violence Resources

• Chap. 3: Common "Domestic Violence Crimes"

• Chap. 4: Promoting Safety in Criminal Proceedings

• Chap. 5: Evidence in Criminal Domestic Violence Cases

• Chap. 6: Issuing Personal Protection Orders—Statutory Overview

• Chap. 7: Practical Considerations for Issuing Personal Protection Orders

• Chap. 8: Enforcing Personal Protection Orders

• Chap. 9: Statutory Firearms Restrictions in Domestic Violence Cases

• Chap. 10: Case Management for Safety in Domestic Relations Cases

• Chap. 11: Support

• Chap. 12: Domestic Violence and Access to Children

• Chap. 13: Custody Proceedings Involving Multiple Jurisdictions

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