Mich. Admin. Ord. Administrative Order No. 2003-6
On March 11, 2003, the Supreme Court published for comment proposed amendments of several provisions of subchapter 7.200 of the Michigan Court Rules that the Court of Appeals stated would aid its effort to dispose of 95 percent of its cases within 18 months of filing, beginning in October 2003. The proposals generated considerable comment both in writing and at the public hearing held on September 25, 2003.
Those who have participated in the significant debate concerning the processing of cases in the Court of Appeals, especially the Court of Appeals itself and the State Bar of Michigan, have proceeded with integrity and ultimate concern for the efficient and effective delivery of justice to the citizens of Michigan. We commend this cooperative approach and trust that such commitment will mark a continuing effort to improve our appellate system, even in this time of budgetary crisis.
Accordingly, on order of the Court, and building on the delay-reduction measures already implemented by the Court of Appeals, we direct the Court of Appeals to develop a plan for the management of civil cases that includes "just in time" briefing. In developing a plan that is in the best interests of the administration of justice and the participants in the appellate process, we encourage the Court of Appeals to continue to work with the State Bar of Michigan and other interested groups and individuals. The plan shall be submitted to this Court by February 1, 2004.
The amended proposal submitted by the Court of Appeals on August 29, 2003, remains under consideration and can be viewed in the list of proposed rule amendments at www.courts.michigan.gov/supremecourt/Resources/Administrative/index.htm [File Link Not Available].
Mich. Admin. Ord. Administrative Order No. 2003-6