Question

Research and, in two paragraphs, describe the Michigan State Court system, from trial courts through the highest appellate level. You should cover the jurisdiction of each court, the length of the terms of judges on each court, and the number of judges who sit on panels to decide cases in the Michigan Court of Appeals and Supreme Court.

Answer 1

The Michigan state court systems consist of Local courts, Court Of Appeals and Supreme Court. Most of the cases begin in the local court which finds a solution to the case. The local court has different names and it depends upon the responsibilities. If the case is not fixed, it moves to the court of appeals which is rare. And lastly fewer cases actually go to the Supreme Court.

The Michigan Supreme Court is the highest form of court which comprises of 7 justices, of which one is selected to be the Chief Justice by others. Cases go to the Supreme Court when the individual is not happy with the Court of Appeals. The individual has to file for an appeal to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court accepts 2000 applications per year. In the Supreme Court, the individual can directly talk to the justice and explain the case. A majority of 4 signatures from the Justice will decide the result of the case.

The Court of appeals acts as an intermediary between the local court and the Supreme Court. If an individual is not happy with the local court, they can appeal at the court of appeals where they can explain the case to 3 judges. The majority agreement between two judges decides the case. The Courts Of Appeals hear about 6000 cases per year.

The local Court

The circuit court deals with serious criminal cases and there are 57 circuit courts in Michigan and the amount in these cases are above 25000 dollars. In district court, they hear appeals to less serious crimes such as traffic violations, small civil suits and the amount of the case is usually below 25000. The district court deals with bail in cases of felony.