Daily Briefs

Big money at stake in Supreme Court case involving teachers


LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The Michigan Supreme Court is hearing arguments in a case that will determine whether more than $550 million will be returned to school employees who had money deducted for retiree health care.

Gov. Rick Snyder’s administration wants to keep the money but so far has lost in lower courts. His office says the money is necessary for the long-term stability of health insurance benefits.

School employees had 3 percent of their pay deducted for about two years under a law signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm, but the law was declared unconstitutional. Snyder in 2012 signed a new law that has survived court challenges.

Lawyers for the administration say the money could keep the retiree health care program on firm footing. It’s now in escrow. The case was argued Wednesday.

 

‘Rapid Ruth’ Ginsburg is quick with high court justices’ first opinion
 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is proving why she has called herself “Rapid Ruth” for her speed at writing opinions.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday handed down its first opinion in a case heard this term. And it was Ginsburg, the court’s oldest justice, who authored the unanimous opinion.

During a speech in September at Georgetown University’s law school the 84-year-old referred to herself as “Rapid Ruth” and to Justice Sonia Sotomayor as “Swift Sonia.”

The Supreme Court began its new term in October. The case decided Wednesday was argued on Oct. 10. Releasing an opinion in less than a month is quick by Supreme Court standards.

The court ruled that a woman who had appealed her employment discrimination case had it improperly dismissed.

 

Attorney appointed president of the Court Historical Society
 

Matthew J. Lund, a partner with Pepper Hamilton LLP, has been appointed president of the Court Historical Society for the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Michigan for a two-year term beginning May 1, 2018, and vice president of the Eastern District of Michigan Chapter of the Federal Bar Association which began Sept. 1, 2017.

As president of the of the Court Historical Society for the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Michigan, Lund will lead the organization to preserve the history of the court and the men and women associated with it. Formed in 1992, the society seeks to promote an awareness of its past and its historical significance.

Lund has also begun his term as vice president of the Eastern District of Michigan Chapter of the Federal Bar Association (FBA). Lund was previously the treasurer. The FBA is recognized as the professional organization for private attorneys, government lawyers and judges involved in federal practice. 

Lund is a member of Pepper Hamilton’s Commercial Litigation Practice Group and head of the firm’s litigation practice in Michigan.

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