The Supreme Court says that a federal appeals court was wrong to order Michigan to retry or release a convicted murderer because his rights were violated when he was shackled at trial.

Trial courts in Michigan are going to continue operating virtually where possible, despite much of the state slowly returning to a pre-pandemic normal, officials announced last week.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Court of Appeals turned down an appeal Friday from President Donald Trump’s campaign in a challenge to how absentee ballots were handled in Detroit and other issues. In a brief order, the court said the lawsuit fails because Michigan’s election results, including Joe Biden’s 154,000-vote victory over Trump, were certified on Nov. 23, a week before the campaign filed an appellate brief. “Because plaintiff failed to follow the clear law in Michigan relative to such matters, their action is moot,” Judge Stephen Borrello said in a 2-1 order. There has been no evidence of widespread fraud in the 2020 election. More: 2020 election news

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Supreme Court wants more information after listening to hours of arguments over Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s sweeping use of authority during the coronavirus pandemic. The Supreme Court ordered lawyers to address by Sept. 16 whether “public safety” in the law “encompasses ‘public health’ events such as epidemics.” The court also wants input about how the law fits in the context of public health. The law doesn't include the word “health.”The order came after the court listened to arguments Wednesday. Republicans who control the Legislature argue that Whitmer, a Democrat, should consult with them when considering whether to extend emergencies, under a 1976 law.

Michigan currently imposes a 0.06% sales tax on most goods, including menstrual products. In administering and enforcing the (tampon tax), the (state Treasury) maintains a tax on women.The lawsuit comes as the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to negatively financially impact Americans -- particularly, and disproportionately, Michigan women, the plaintiffs argue. According to the complaint, Michigan women comprised 49 percent of the U.S. workforce but accounted for 55 percent of job losses in April amid the pandemic. A bill was introduced to the Michigan Legislature in 2016 regarding ending the tampon tax, but no real change came of it. Some states, including Montana, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania no longer tax menstrual products.

DETROIT Michigans Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals is denying to rehear cases filed by parties questioning the constitutionality of Michigans Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. One lawsuit was filed by Michigan citizens claiming that the eligibility criteria to serve as a commissioner is unconstitutional. The plaintiffs appealed the cases after a district court initially denied the motions. The Sixth Circuit Court upheld the district courts decision in April, and again denied to rehear the cases Friday. The goal of Michigans Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission is to level the playing field through bipartisan redistricting.