law

Current State #78 | May 1, 2013

Current State — Wed, 01 May 2013 18:14:19 +0000

Today on Current State: Ingham County Chief District Judge talks Indigent Defense ; the Lansing Information Technology Empowerment Center; Michael Finney from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and re-imagining the Grand River corridor.

Chief judge makes case for indigent defense reform

Current State — Wed, 01 May 2013 18:11:13 +0000

The sixth amendment to the U.S. Constitution makes it clear: any citizen accused of a crime will--if necessary--have access to qualified legal representation in court. Many legal professionals think that guarantee has been seriously compromised in Michigan for many years. The state often ranks low in assessments of its system of indigent defense. In recent years, several efforts by the state legislature to strengthen the system have failed.

SCOTUS takes up of gene patenting

Current State — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:06:30 +0000

The Supreme Court heard arguments last week about whether human genes can be patented. The court’s ruling could drastically change the biotech industry and also the way universities do research.

Biker Group says Motorcycle Fatalities Down Since Helmet Law Repeal

Jake Neher — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 21:42:15 +0000

Early data suggest the state may not be causing a big jump in the number of biker deaths since the Legislature repealed a law requiring them to wear helmets. The group American Bikers Aiming Toward Education – or ABATE – released those numbers this week.

However, state officials say it’s too early to come to any conclusions.

Juvenile Lifer Ruling Requires Authorities to Track Down Victims

Rick Pluta — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 23:06:52 +0000

A state House committee held a hearing Tuesday on what Michigan needs to do to comply with a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling.