Daily Briefs

 U..S Senate moves on four Michigan judge confirmations 

DETROIT (AP) — The U.S. Senate has voted to end debate and take action on the confirmation of four of President Barack Obama’s nominees for U.S. District Court seats in Michigan.

Democratic U.S. Sen. Carl Levin says he's confident that Tuesday’s decision will lead to the Senate's approval of the nominees for the court in the eastern district of Michigan, based in Detroit.
The confirmations votes will be for Matthew Leitman, Judith Ellen Levy, Laurie J. Michelson and Linda Vivienne Parker. They would fill all remaining vacancies on the court.
 

Snyder signs bill reforming Central Perpetrator Registry

 
Gov. Rick Snyder Wednesday signed legislation reforming the Michigan Central Perpetrator Registry and the policies and procedures concerning its operation.
The Michigan Child Protection Law requires the state Department of Human Services (DHS) to maintain the confidential internal registry of confirmed child abuse and neglect perpetrators.
Under House Bill 4893, sponsored by state Rep. Margaret O’Brien, the state must now notify a person being placed on the list via certified mail with return receipt, and the person will now have 180 days to request a hearing. A person could not remain on the list if a subsequent review of this decision fails to provide enough evidence.
Additionally, except for very serious offenders, names would be removed from the list after 10 years. The law previously required all names on the registry to remain until a registrant’s death.
When there is evidence that an individual has abused or neglected a child and the future risk to the child is high, that individual's name is placed on the registry. In some cases, the Child Protection Law does require certain names to go on the registry regardless of risk.
 

FBA offering three  sessions on ‘Trial  Advocacy & Mentoring’

 
The Eastern District of Michigan Chapter of the Federal Bar Association will hold its “Trial Advocacy & Mentoring Program” March 27, March 31 and April 1. The program is designed specifically with “newer” lawyers in mind but open to any attorney seeking hands-on experience in fundamental litigation skills, working in tandem with judges and seasoned attorneys who will offer valuable guidance on direct and cross examination, opening statements and closing arguments.
The 2014 Mentoring Program will focus on a civil case trial from openings through the presentation of witness testimony and concluding with final arguments.  An introductory session will be followed by two full-day sessions led by U.S. District Court Judge Mark Goldsmith and federal judges from the Eastern District and held at the Theodore Levin Courthouse. 
The enrollment fee is $225 per person. Space is limited. To register online, visit ww.fbamich.org.  For questions, call Brian Figot, at 248-594-5950 or send an email to fbamich@fbamich.org.

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