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Sentence Creep: Increasing Penalties In Michigan And The Need For Sentencing Reform, Anne Yantus
Sentence Creep: Increasing Penalties In Michigan And The Need For Sentencing Reform, Anne Yantus
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
The governor and several legislators have requested review of Michigan’s sentencing practices with an eye toward sentence reform. Michigan leads the country in the average length of prison stay, and by internal comparisons the average minimum sentence has nearly doubled in the last decade. This Article explores cumulative increases to criminal penalties over the last several decades as reflected in amendments to the sentencing guidelines, increased maximum sentences, harsh mandatory minimum terms, increased authority for consecutive sentencing, wide sentencing discretion for habitual and repeat drug offenders, and tough parole practices and policies. The reality for legislators is that it is …
The Unintended Consequence Of Tort Reform In Michigan: An Argument For Reinstating Retailer Product Liability, Ashley L. Thompson
The Unintended Consequence Of Tort Reform In Michigan: An Argument For Reinstating Retailer Product Liability, Ashley L. Thompson
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
Tort reform became an important issue during the 1994 Congressional Campaign as part of the Republican Party's "Contract with America. "Since then, many federal and state laws have attempted to reduce both liability and recovery in tort actions. In 1996, Michigan passed the Tort Reform Act, encompassing many drastic changes to state tort law. One provision of the Act, § 294 7, scaled back liability against non-manufacturing retailers in product liability actions. The Michigan Supreme Court interpreted the exceptions of the law narrowly and the prohibition broadly, essentially barring recovery from retailers. Since 1996, this provision has prevented victims injured …
Crafting An Advocate For A Child: In Support Of Legislation Redefining The Role Of The Guardian Ad Litem In Michigan Child Abuse And Neglect Cases, Albert E. Hartmann
Crafting An Advocate For A Child: In Support Of Legislation Redefining The Role Of The Guardian Ad Litem In Michigan Child Abuse And Neglect Cases, Albert E. Hartmann
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
Michigan's current statutory system leaves the role of the child's attorney unclear. In this Note, Hartmann advocates the adoption of a legislative proposal that will redefine the role of the child's attorney. The proposal specifies that the child's primary legal representative should be a guardian ad litem who will represent the best interests of the child. Hartmann begins by describing the current system and then analyzes how the proposal will modify the role of the child's attorney. Hartmann argues that the proposed changes would be highly beneficial and identifies specific points of improvement. Hartmann concludes by suggesting several reforms to …
Electronic Mail And Michigan's Public Disclosure Laws: The Argument For Public Access To Governmental Electronic Mail, Daniel F. Hunter
Electronic Mail And Michigan's Public Disclosure Laws: The Argument For Public Access To Governmental Electronic Mail, Daniel F. Hunter
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
This Note explores the potential for citizens to request electronic mail (e-mail) records from government agencies using public disclosure laws, with emphasis on the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). E-mail is a medium that has come to replace both telephone calls and paper documents for many purposes. The applicability of public disclosure laws to e-mail, however, is less than clear. Telephone conversations by public employees for most purposes are confidential, while paper records created by those same employees can be requested under the FOIA. Thus, should public e-mail remain private and confidential or should it be subject to FOIA …
The Relevance Of Temporary Child Custody Orders To The Formation Of An Established Custodial Environment: A Model Statute For Uniform Application Under Michigan Law, Christine M. Drylie
The Relevance Of Temporary Child Custody Orders To The Formation Of An Established Custodial Environment: A Model Statute For Uniform Application Under Michigan Law, Christine M. Drylie
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
This Note presents a Model Statute that clearly indicates when a court may find that an established custodial environment has arisen out of a temporary custody order. The Model Statute thus clarifies when it is appropriate to apply the clear and convincing evidentiary standard to situations involving temporary child custody orders. Part I of this Note describes the court's use of temporary custody orders to determine whether an established custodial environment exists. Part II sets forth the Model Statute, which integrates current case law into statutory language designed specifically for temporary custody situations. Part II also analyzes each section of …
Rape Shield Laws--Is It Time For Reinforcement?, Catherine L. Kello
Rape Shield Laws--Is It Time For Reinforcement?, Catherine L. Kello
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
This Note takes a critical look at civil suits arising from allegations of rape, particularly from the perspective of how these actions run counter to the spirit of rape reform and rape shield legislation. The analysis begins with a brief history of the Rape Shield Law and its intended purposes. Part II then utilizes two cases to outline the current dilemma posed by civil suits that are filed during a pending criminal sexual conduct prosecution. After presenting these cases, Part III considers whether a legislative remedy is required and determines that it is. Part IV then proposes a Model Statute. …
Improving Handicappers' Civil Rights In Michigan--Preventing Discrimination Through Accommodation, Aldebaran Bouse Enloe
Improving Handicappers' Civil Rights In Michigan--Preventing Discrimination Through Accommodation, Aldebaran Bouse Enloe
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
Part I of this Note explains the development of· the current state of handicappers' civil rights law in Michigan, beginning with legislative initiatives and progressing to administrative and judicial decisions. Part II analyzes traditional antidiscrimination theory and suggests how that theory can be adapted to handicappers. By examining hypothetical situations, Part III exposes the disparity between the current state of the law in Michigan and the proposed theoretical analysis and suggests amendments to the MHCRA to reconcile this disparity.
Farmland And Open Space Preservation In Michigan: An Empirical Analysis, Sandra A. Hoffmann
Farmland And Open Space Preservation In Michigan: An Empirical Analysis, Sandra A. Hoffmann
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
Part I of this Note describes the political and economic conditions that gave rise to the farmland and open space preservation enactments. It presents a brief political history of the support for this body of legislation and summarizes the economic arguments raised both for and against these preservation efforts. Part II describes the principal types of state farmland and open space preservation programs enacted during the past thirty years. Finally, Part III presents an empirical analysis of P.A. 116.
Evaluating Michigan's Guilty But Mentally Ill Verdict: An Empirical Study, Gare A. Smith, James A. Hall
Evaluating Michigan's Guilty But Mentally Ill Verdict: An Empirical Study, Gare A. Smith, James A. Hall
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
Because Michigan's GBMI statute has been in effect for several years, enough data exists to assess the statute's use and practical effect. The purpose of this Project is to evaluate the statute and thus provide guidance for those legislatures considering similar proposals. This Project concludes that the new verdict has completely failed in its intended purpose. Part I describes the statute's history, legislative purpose, and procedural mechanics. Part II analyzes the displacing effect of the GBMI verdict on other verdicts, and sets forth empirical data on the disparate characteristics of defendants who raise the insanity defense and are subsequently found …
Relief For Prison Overcrowding: Evaluating Michigan's Accelerated Parole Statute, Frank T. Judge Iii
Relief For Prison Overcrowding: Evaluating Michigan's Accelerated Parole Statute, Frank T. Judge Iii
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
This Note describes and analyzes Michigan's Prison Overcrowding Emergency Powers Act. Part I reviews briefly current efforts to relieve prison overcrowding and concludes that traditional remedies are largely inadequate. Part II examines the early prisoner release statute and its implementation. Finally, Part III evaluates the statute's success in relieving prison overcrowding .
The Nonprofit Health Care Corporation Reform Act Of 1980, David L. Hollister, Patience A. Drake
The Nonprofit Health Care Corporation Reform Act Of 1980, David L. Hollister, Patience A. Drake
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
In recent years, Blue Cross/Blue Shield has been the subject of considerable controversy. Its critics charge the non-profit, tax-exempt corporation with being unduly secretive, arrogantly unresponsive to consumer interest and not vigorous in its cost containment efforts. These criticisms, along with a variety of other factors, led to the legislative reform I am here to talk to you about this evening.
Michigan's Nursing Home Reform Law, John D. Croll
Michigan's Nursing Home Reform Law, John D. Croll
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
This article examines Michigan's new nursing home reform law, which has been hailed as "landmark legislation" and as a model for the entire country. Part I examines the past failures of nursing home regulation and the need for reform. Part II analyzes the law's key provisions. Part III examines the weaknesses of certain enforcement measures. The article proposes the following improvements: (1) extension of the law's protection to residents of homes for the aged; (2) greater access to patients by approved organizations; (3) adoption of nurse-patient ratios; (4) improvement of inspection procedures; and (5) allowance for patients or their representatives …
The Constitutionality Of Michigan's Guilty But Mentally Ill Verdict, John M. Grostic
The Constitutionality Of Michigan's Guilty But Mentally Ill Verdict, John M. Grostic
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
This article will assess the constitutionality of the statute providing for a GBMI verdict by examining the likely, impact of this statute on the constitutional rights of legally insane defendants. Part I will briefly outline the relevant provisions of the GBMI statute. Part II will consider whether legally insane defendants have a constitutional right to an insanity defense. Part III will then argue that some defendants, though legally insane at the time they committed allegedly criminal acts, will nevertheless be found GBMI rather than NGRI.
Marital Agreements In Contemplation Of Divorce, Barbara Klarman
Marital Agreements In Contemplation Of Divorce, Barbara Klarman
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
Romantic notions that marriage is forever are beginning to give way to the more realistic assessments that marriages indeed may not last. The pressure has been mounting for ways to provide economic planning to parties in the relatively likely event that their marriages terminate in divorce. The purpose of this article is to focus on one method of obtaining such planning: the marital agreement setting forth the support and property distribution which the parties would follow in the event of divorce. This article will review the law regarding marital agreements in contemplation of divorce as it exists in the United …
Legislative Notes: Metallic Mining And Reclamation In Michigan: Environmental Management As A Gentler Approach, John C. Dernbach
Legislative Notes: Metallic Mining And Reclamation In Michigan: Environmental Management As A Gentler Approach, John C. Dernbach
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
A great deal has been said and written about the need for meaningful reclamation requirements for the surface mining of coal. Nonetheless, little attention has been given to the large quantity of land disturbed by mining for other minerals. Thirty-eight states have laws dealing directly with reclamation from a wide variety of mining operations . For purposes of this note, reclamation refers to those measures taken concurrently with or after the mining operation to reduce or repair the adverse effects of the operation on disrupted land . Environmental management is a much broader term which encompasses the full range of …
Michigan's Revised Mental Health Code, William David Serwer
Michigan's Revised Mental Health Code, William David Serwer
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
This note will evaluate the three chapters of the Michigan Code which present the most significant legislative attempts to safeguard the rights of the mentally ill. Chapter Four of the Code extends several traditional due process guarantees to the civil commitment process. By guaranteeing the right to adequate notice, the right to be present at the hearing, the right to be represented by counsel, and the right to notice of trial by jury, the Code offers better protection from unwarranted commitment. However, due to the difficulty of defining mental illness and accurately identifying those in need of treatment, the possibility …
Improving Michigan's Generic Drug Law, Phyllis Greenwood Rozof
Improving Michigan's Generic Drug Law, Phyllis Greenwood Rozof
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
This note will describe the conditions which existed prior to enactment of the Michigan drug substitution law, will discuss the history and provisions of that legislation, and will identify certain problems which the law fails to correct.
Michigan Motor Vehicle Service And Repair Act Of 1974, A. Russell Localio
Michigan Motor Vehicle Service And Repair Act Of 1974, A. Russell Localio
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
This note will analyze the Michigan Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Act, examining the differences between it and prior Michigan and federal legislation. The new legislation will be compared with similar statutes in other states. Finally, the possible drawbacks of repair shop and mechanic certification programs will be discussed, and suggestions for improvements will be made.
The Michigan Abortion Refusal Act, G. Michael White
The Michigan Abortion Refusal Act, G. Michael White
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
Since the United States Supreme Court handed down the landmark decisions of Roe v. Wade andDoe v. Bolton, which placed constitutional limitations, on state regulation of abortions, efforts have been made on the federal and state levels to blunt the effect of those cases. One prevalent reaction has been the enactment of state "conscience clause" legislation, such as the Michigan Abortion Refusal Act, which seeks to extend to all hospitals the right to refuse admission of abortion patients. This legislative note will consider whether the Michigan conscience clause is legally necessary to ensure the right it seeks to …
Michigan Standards Of Conduct And Ethics Act Of 1973, Rogan Alan Petzke
Michigan Standards Of Conduct And Ethics Act Of 1973, Rogan Alan Petzke
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
This article undertakes an analysis of the Standards of Conduct and Ethics Act. After a discussion of the factors prompting enactment, the statutory framework of the Act is presented. Finally, the Michigan legislation is contrasted with and evaluated in light of similar statutory efforts in other states.
Legislative Note: Micigan's Criminal Sexual Assault Law, Kenneth A. Cobb, Nancy R. Schauer
Legislative Note: Micigan's Criminal Sexual Assault Law, Kenneth A. Cobb, Nancy R. Schauer
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
Under increasing pressure from women's rights groups and other reform organizations, the Michigan legislature has re-evaluated its centenarian rape statute, found it inadequate for the realities of the mid-twentieth century, and enacted a new sexual assault act. While people may refer to the act as "the new rape law," it should be noted at the outset that the statute is intended to prohibit a variety of sexual acts which involve criminal assault. Michigan's new criminal sexual assault law was formulated to distinguish among degrees of violence as motivated by hostility rather than passion; rape, like other crimes, is more heinous …
Michigan Water Resources Commission Act Amendments: A Response To The Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments Of 1972, Jeffrey K. Haynes
Michigan Water Resources Commission Act Amendments: A Response To The Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments Of 1972, Jeffrey K. Haynes
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
This article appraises the strengths and weaknesses of the WRC Act and its recent amendments. After a description of the federal impetus behind the new amendments, the Michigan statutory framework is evaluated, including comparison of the WRC Act with a model state act designed to meet FWPCA requirements. Finally, the past implementation of the Act is discussed, with suggestions for future improvement.
County Home Rule: An Approach To Metropolitan Problems In Michigan, Stephen M. Silverman
County Home Rule: An Approach To Metropolitan Problems In Michigan, Stephen M. Silverman
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
This note examines what seems to be the most viable solution for metropolitan problems in Michigan: county home rule, as authorized by the 1963 state constitution. Since the primary obstacle to the use of county- home rule as a vehicle for metropolitan reform appears to lie in the present statutory authority, the Michigan County Home Rule Act of 1966 (Act), considerable attention is given to the Act and to recent legislation proposed to amend the Act, Michigan House Bill 5464, introduced into the Michigan Legislature on June 21, 1971, and currently pending before the Michigan House Committee on Towns and …
The Parole Board's Duty Of Self-Regulation, John P. Quinn
The Parole Board's Duty Of Self-Regulation, John P. Quinn
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
This article examines the Michigan Parole Board in terms of its structure, mode of operation, and certain legal issues raised by its procedures. The note argues that the Board's and the legislature's concept of professional, scientific decision-making is not an adequate substitute for the checks and balances which confine and control the discretion of other governmental agencies, and furthermore, that this concept is inconsistent with both the letter and spirit of the Michigan Administrative Procedures Act (MAPA or Act). Thereafter, an approach is suggested by which the Act can be used as a tool to legitimate and rationalize Parole Board …
Family Support From Fugitive Fathers: A Proposed Amendment To Michigan's Long Arm Statute, Robert L. Nelson
Family Support From Fugitive Fathers: A Proposed Amendment To Michigan's Long Arm Statute, Robert L. Nelson
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
It is the purpose of this article to propose and discuss an amendment to Michigan's long arm statute which will allow the entry of extraterritorial alimony, separate maintenance, or child support decrees when Michigan is the state of the marital domicile and the defendant-spouse cannot be located for personal service of process. A plaintiff employing the proposed provision in a divorce action will be able to seek alimony, separate maintenance, or support payments as if the defendant were before the court, and the court will have the authority to grant her the necessary relief. If and when the wife later …
Michigan "Freedom Of Information Act", David T. Alexander
Michigan "Freedom Of Information Act", David T. Alexander
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
A policy of public disclosure is as appropriate at the state level as it is at the federal level. There are comparable state agencies for almost all Federal departments concerned with commerce and the public health, safety and welfare. Through licensing and supervisory powers over businesses and individuals, state agencies exercise extensive quasi-legislative and quasi-judicial powers of immediate concern to the public. The resulting rules, records, regulations, orders and opinions serve as both the factual findings and the substantive law of the particular area administered by each agency. Recognizing this need for public disclosure at the state level, the Michigan …
Michigan Air Pollution Control: A Case Study, William A. Irwin
Michigan Air Pollution Control: A Case Study, William A. Irwin
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
The State of Michigan began its fight against air pollution with the passage of two Acts in 1965: the Air Pollution Act and the Tax Exemption for Air Pollution Control Act. In adopting these acts the legislature hoped to solve the state's special needs for immediate air pollution control, created by the heavy concentration of automobile manufacturers and their suppliers in the state. The fight was to be waged through the efforts of a newly-created Air Pollution Control Commission and its staff. To present an evaluation of the success of these efforts, this comment concentrates upon two case studies of …
Michigan Environmental Protection Act, Roger L. Conner
Michigan Environmental Protection Act, Roger L. Conner
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
Each of the questions discussed in this note revolve around the same basic issue: the propriety of vesting broad power in the courts to prevent environmental destruction, and to develop an environmental common law. The need for the broad standard of the Act derives from the complexity of the problem. The clear authority of the courts to decide cases which have been, or should have been dealt with by an administrative agency is important both for the relationship it establishes between citizens and agencies, and to insure that the policies of the Act will be implemented. In responding to these …
The Proposed Michigan Business Corporation Act, Stanley Siegel
The Proposed Michigan Business Corporation Act, Stanley Siegel
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
The author of this article was selected by the Commission as Reporter, to draft and revise the statute. It is the purpose of this article to describe the drafting process, to outline the general structure and to examine some unique aspects of the proposed Michigan Business Corporation Act. In this discussion, the author expresses his own views only, and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Law Revision Commission or its members.
Michigan Compulsory Arbitration Act For Essential Services, William J. Rainey
Michigan Compulsory Arbitration Act For Essential Services, William J. Rainey
University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform
When Public Act 312 became effective on October 1, 1969, Michigan joined Rhode Island and Pennsylvania in permitting compulsory arbitration of unresolved labor disputes involving municipal police and firemen. Wyoming similarly provides for compulsory arbitration in fire department disputes. Passage of the Act was prompted by a desire to avoid the dire consequences of strikes or work stoppages by firefighters and policemen, and to provide a method by which the bargaining power of public service unions could be maintained in the absence of the strike privilege. Since Michigan had barred strikes by public employees in 1947, the unions felt that …