Daily briefs . . .

 ACLU sues Muskegon County for 8 inmates over jail conditions 

MUSKEGON, Mich. (AP) — The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan has sued Muskegon County on behalf of eight female inmates who say they’ve experienced poor jail conditions.

The lawsuit, filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids, comes as the county works to complete a new jail that’s set to open next summer. The women, including one currently held in the old jail, say they faced dangerous conditions and were subjected to male guards watching them shower and use the toilet, The Muskegon Chronicle reported.
 
“The county spent $40 million to build a brand-new jail,” said Doug Hughes, a partner of the county’s corporate counsel firm. “What do they want us to do?”

Based on tours of the new jail site, one of the features of the $40 million facility is increased privacy in the shower and toilet areas for inmates. The construction of a new juvenile transition center and finance fees will add another $5 million to the full project.

Miriam Aukerman, staff attorney with the ACLU of Michigan, said “cross gender viewing” is among the issues. The lawsuit wants an end to that practice and seeks damages for each of the plaintiffs as well as improved jail conditions, including better plumbing.

“A new jail alone isn’t going to stop male guards from viewing female inmates naked,” she said. “This is really a critical opportunity to make sure things are done right going forward. ... We think that this is a very important time to be raising (these issues).”
 

State House approves ‘gutted’ criminal  sentencing legislation 

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The state House has approved legislation to ease potentially Michigan’s parole and probation policies to save money, but the bill’s sponsor says some of the bills were “gutted” because of concerns from law enforcement.
 
The measures passed Thursday night next go to the Senate for its consideration in the final two weeks of voting this year.

One less controversial bill would create a commission to analyze the impact of Michigan's sentencing guidelines on jails, prisons and courts.

Republican Rep. Joe Haveman of Holland says he’s disappointed talks broke down over concerns that costs to operate jails would rise. He wants to impose small stays in jail for probation and parole violators as opposed to putting them in prison.

He’s hoping to regroup in talks with Senate negotiators.

 

DMBA Jingle Mingle to be held December 11

Ring in the holiday season with the DMBA at The District Bar and Grill, 150 W. Jefferson, Suite 125, Dec. 11 from 5:30 - 8 p.m.
Registration is just $35 for DMBA members, $45 for non-members.  For more information, contact Mitzy Sharp Futro at msharpfutro@detroitlawyer.org or 313-961-6120 x201.
 

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