The Court of Claims in Michigan has made over 100 opinions from the years 2022, 2023, and 2024 available online. This move aligns with National Sunshine Week, a period dedicated to promoting transparency and access to government information.
"The Court of Claims hears the types of cases that impact every individual, business, non-profit, and government in Michigan," stated Judge Brock A. Swartzle, Chief Judge of the Court of Claims. "Free, ready access to these opinions will help the public better understand their rights under the law as well as how our governments operate."
Established within the Court of Appeals a decade ago by legislative action, the Court of Claims is authorized to handle claims against the State of Michigan and its agencies. The court addresses various cases including constitutional claims, election issues, Freedom of Information Act matters, highway defects, contracts disputes, prisoner litigation, and tax-related suits.
Judges from the Court of Appeals are assigned to serve on the Court of Claims by the Michigan Supreme Court. Alongside Chief Judge Swartzle are Judges James Robert Redford, Sima G. Patel, and Christopher P. Yates.
Annually hearing more than 200 cases, the Court functions similarly to other trial courts in Michigan. New opinions will be posted online as they become available. For opinions from 2021 or earlier years, individuals can contact the Clerk’s Office at 517-373-0807 or email CClerksOffice@courts.mi.gov.