The Michigan Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments in four significant cases on May 8, 2024. These sessions will mark the conclusion of the court's 2023-2024 term and will be held at the Michigan Hall of Justice in Lansing. The proceedings will be available via livestream on the court's website.
Media personnel interested in filming or photographing during the hearings are required to contact the MSC Public Information Office for permission. They must submit a formal request for electronic media coverage prior to the event.
The first case involves Pinebrook Warren, LLC, and others against the City of Warren concerning medical marijuana dispensary licenses. The issue centers around whether the city's Medical Marihuana Review Committee qualifies as a "public body" under Michigan's Open Meetings Act.
In another case, In re Bates, Minors, the Department of Health and Human Services seeks to terminate a mother's parental rights due to her substance abuse issues. The Supreme Court will consider if courts must explore alternatives before terminating parental rights when children are placed with relatives.
A related case, In re D.N. Dailey, Minor, involves similar questions about parental rights termination and whether less severe options should be considered when children reside with relatives.
Lastly, Progressive Marathon Insurance Company faces John Michael Pena and Krystle Sewell over insurance policy limits following an accident. The dispute examines if policies issued before July 2, 2020, are subject to new liability coverage limits enacted after that date.
These cases reflect critical legal interpretations affecting public policy and individual rights within Michigan.