AG Nessel sent a letter to the Michigan Supreme Court yesterday in support of the Court’s proposed amendment of Michigan Court Rule 8.115, which would generally prohibit civil arrests of individuals who attend court proceedings or conduct other business in a courthouse. In the letter, Attorney General Nessel stressed that the fair administration of justice depends on public participation, which requires unfettered access to courthouses. Creating an environment where people fear civil arrests – whether they are victims, parties, witnesses, or simply courtroom observers or those doing business in the courthouse – discourages participation, undermines accountability, and erodes trust in the justice system. 

“When people are afraid to report crimes or come to court because they fear a civil arrest, it puts victims at risk and makes our communities less safe. It’s my sincere hope that the Michigan Supreme Court adopts this amendment to protect access to justice for everyone.” – AG Nessel