The Michigan Supreme Court faces a challenging task of rectifying a potential breach of the state constitution due to an order it issued in March 2020. Amid the pandemic’s onset and ensuing shutdowns, the court took an unparalleled step to pause all legal filing deadlines. This decision, intended to adapt the judicial system to online dockets and remote proceedings, consequently relaxed countless legal claim mandates.
However, concerns have arisen regarding the legality of this order. The court is now openly questioning whether it may have overstepped its constitutional boundaries and created a significant issue. This concern stems from a comparable shutdown order that Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued and which the bench later found to be unconstitutional due to usurping legislature’s power. To better understand the complex situation, the justices are now pondering on how they can resolve the fallout of their own court’s actions.
The question of legality over the situation at hand has put hundreds of legal cases at risk, with the potential of a ripple effect on the state’s legal framework, mandating careful deliberation and nuanced solutions from the bench. For reference, the detailed issues pertaining to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s shutdown order can be found here.
Facing possibly unlawful court orders and risks to a high number of cases, the Michigan Supreme Court is under increasing scrutiny as it works to mitigate the situation and maintain the state’s legal integrity. Further news and updates can be found here.