The Michigan Supreme Court announced today that following the guidance of Governor Whitmer’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order, the Court’s Administrative Order 2020-2 remains in effect.  As described in AO 2020-2, trial courts must continue to operate to provide essential functions.  Essential functions include arraignments for in custody defendants.  The Supreme Court’s Administrative Order makes clear that “[t]o the extent possible and consistent with MCR 6.006 and a defendant’s constitutional and statutory rights“, courts should conduct certain hearings remotely using two-way interactive video technology or other remote participation tools.  Comprehensive information from the Michigan Supreme Court about the Judicial branch’s response to COVID-19 can be found on their website.

New: Use Michigan’s Virtual Courtroom Directory to watch hearings statewide.

The Brennan Center for Justice is compiling the formal policy responses of federal courts, immigration courts, and state courts to the COVID-19 public health crisis.

The Marshall Project has a Coronavirus Tracker: How Justice Systems are Responding in Each State.

Wayne State University’s Center for Behavioral Health and Justice has links to resources for criminal/legal institutions.

Read the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission’s letter to indigent defense stakeholders making clear the MIDC’s Standards remain in effect during the State of Emergency (March 30, 2020) [.pdf]

Webinar by MIDC Staff – MIDC Standard 4 during the COVID-19 Pandemic

NEW: COVID-19 issue preservation training video  (recorded May 19, 2020), handout, and form to request CLE credit.

Additional links for indigent defense counsel:

The Michigan State Appellate Defender Office has created a webpage of COVID-19 Pleadings and Resources for attorneys and advocates.

The training division of the Federal Defender Services Organization has also created a webpage of resources for defenders.