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| MICHIGAN COURTS |
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Access to CourtsA number of resources, such as brochures, other public information materials,
and self-help forms and instructions packets, have been made available
to aid the public in accessing the Michigan court system. In addition,
to assist trial courts with developing and implementing the components
necessary for improving access to the court system, trial courts have
been provided with information, materials, and management assistance in
areas such as sexual harassment, racial and gender bias, general discrimination,
interpreters for non-English speaking and hearing impaired court users,
and self-help services. Below are links to some of these resources. Specific ResourcesBatterer Intervention StandardsBias Free Behavior in the Court Certified Foreign Language Interpreters List Court Forms Courthouse Access Checklist Forms in Foreign Translations How to Make a Complaint or Comment How to Request Physical Access to the Courts Michigan Code of Professional Conduct for Interpreters Michigan Interpreter Directory and Michigan Interpreter Directory Update Motion and Order for Appointment of Foreign Language Interpreter Requests for Accommodations Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Summary Report on Race/Ethnic and Gender Issues Task Forces Testing and Certification Program for Foreign Language Interpreters Going to Court - Which Court do you Need?This section will assist you in identifying the proper court for resolving your legal matter. If you have been notified to appear in court for jury duty or to respond to a summons or traffic ticket, please read the notice or summons carefully. It will indicate the court to which you should proceed.There are three trial courts in Michigan: circuit, district (including four municipal courts), and probate. See the organizational chart of the Michigan Judicial Branch >>. Circuit CourtThe circuit court is the trial court with the broadest powers in Michigan. In general, the circuit court handles all civil cases with claims of more than $25,000 and all felony criminal cases (cases where the accused, if found guilty, could be sent to prison). The family division of circuit court handles all cases regarding divorce, paternity, adoptions, personal protection actions, emancipation of minors, treatment and testing of infectious disease, safe delivery of newborns, name changes, juvenile offenses, and child abuse and neglect. In addition, the circuit court hears cases appealed from the other trial courts or from administrative agencies. See more specific information about the circuit court >>. District CourtThe court most people have contact with is the district court. The district court handles most traffic violations, all civil cases with claims up to $25,000, landlord-tenant matters, most traffic tickets, and all misdemeanor criminal cases (generally, cases where the accused, if found guilty, cannot be sentenced to more than one year in jail). In addition, small claims cases are heard by a division of the district court. In Michigan, a few municipalities have chosen to retain a municipal court rather than create a district court. The municipal courts have limited powers and are located in Grosse Pointe, Grosse Pointe Farms, Grosse Pointe Park, and Grosse Point Shores/Grosse Pointe Woods. See more specific information about the district court >>. See more specific information about small claims court >>. Probate CourtThe probate court handles proceedings concerning estates, trusts, guardians, conservators, and protective order. It also orders treatment and care for mentally ill and developmentally disabled persons. See more specific information about the probate court >>. Other CourtsFor cases filed against the State of Michigan in which a claim for money damages is made, there is a Court of Claims. The Court of Claims is part of the Ingham County Circuit Court. See more specific information about the Court of Claims >>. The Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals are Michigan's appellate courts. The bankruptcy court is a federal court with two locations in Michigan. The location of your local district, probate, circuit, and small claims courts can be found in the county government telephone book. In some instances, the district and municipal courts will be listed under city or township government. See also the online directories >>.
What is the Court of Claims? The Court of Claims is part of the 30th Circuit Court and is located in Ingham County. The Court of Claims is a specialized court that handles only claims over $1,000 filed against the State of Michigan or one of its departments. Claims for less than $1,000 are filed with the State Administrative Board. The court of claims may combine similar cases together and conduct one hearing for all such cases. There is a fee for filing a case with the Court of Claims. All trials heard by the court of claims are heard by a judge, not a jury. What is probate court? The probate court handles wills, administers estates and trusts, appoints guardians and conservators, and orders treatment for mentally ill and developmentally disabled persons. There are 79 probate courts in Michigan; probate judges are elected for six-year terms. What is the Court of Appeals? The Court of Appeals is an "intermediate" appellate court between the Supreme Court and the Michigan trial courts. Final decisions resulting from a circuit or probate court hearing may be appealed to the Court of Appeals. The Court of Appeals judges are elected for six-year terms. Court of Appeals hearings are held in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Marquette. Hearings are held before a panel of three Court of Appeals judges and at least two of the three judges must agree on the ruling. The decision of the panel is final except for those cases that the Supreme Court reviews. For more information, see the Court of Appeals website. What is the Supreme Court? The Supreme Court is the highest court in the state, hearing cases appealed to it from other Michigan courts. Cases are appealed to the Supreme Court by filing an application for "leave to appeal." The Supreme Court has the authority to grant or deny any application. This means if an application is granted, the Supreme Court will hear the case; if denied, the decision made by the lower court remains unchanged. The Supreme Court usually selects cases involving important constitutional issues and questions of public significance. In addition to its judicial duties, the Supreme Court is responsible for the general administrative supervision of all courts in the state, which it does with the assistance of the State Court Administrative Office. The Supreme Court also establishes rules for practice and procedure in all Michigan courts. The Supreme Court consists of seven justices. The justices are elected to serve eight-year terms. Every two years the justices vote to elect a chief justice. For more information, see the Supreme Court website. What is bankruptcy court? Bankruptcy cases are handled in the federal district court, not the state courts. The location of the federal district court nearest you can be found in the yellow pages of your phone book under United States Government-Courts, or you can check the website for the United States Bankruptcy Court, Western District or the United States Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District. |
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