Michigan Supreme Court

Rule Changes

Adopted Administrative Order 2026-5 on Oct. 14, 2026

The Michigan Supreme Court adopted an order on Oct. 14 creating a simpler court process for domestic cases in Kent, Allegan, Montcalm and Muskegon counties. New cases will start on the informal docket by Jan. 1, 2027, except initial personal protection orders. The State Court Administrative Office announced the project on Nov. 5.

Updated 3 days ago

Rule Changes

As of September 2026: Ruled Betts applies retroactively in People v. Shaver

Michigan's Supreme Court ruled that the state cannot enforce its sex offender registration law against people whose crimes predate July 1, 2011. The unanimous decision, issued Sept. 9 in People v. Smith, found the 2021 amendments to the registration act are unconstitutional ex post facto punishment for those offenders.

Updated Sep 16