New rules for jurors in Michigan Supreme Court

July 5, 2011

Michigan: Jurors of the Michigan Supreme Court have been given a bit more freedom during trials due to new rules released by the court on June 29, 2011. Once the changes go into effect in September, jurors will be able to take notes, ask questions of witnesses, discuss testimony before a trial ends and ask to visit important locations such as the scene of the crime. In addition, attorneys will be allowed to give "interim commentary" (subject to the judge's approval) rather than simply their opening and closing statements. Other state and federal courts have similar policies in place.

The 7 member Supreme Court voted 6 to 1 for the changes. Chief Justice Robert Young, Jr. supported the decision, explaining that the new rules "give jurors basic tools to do a more effective job at what they're supposed to do, which is to find the truth." Justice Diane Hathaway, the one dissenter, was wary of some of the new rules. She wrote, "Although some of these procedures may in theory benefit jurors, we must be mindful that the litigants' rights are always paramount, and we should not adopt procedures that potentially endanger these rights."