Advocacy News – Dec. 13, 2024
What happened: After appearing on the American Tort Reform Association’s (ATRA) Judicial Hellholes® report for the first time in 2023, the Michigan Supreme Court (Court) was again listed in 2024 for many reasons including its:
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Judicial activism in the earned sick time and minimum wage cases
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Contradictory approach to junk science
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Relaxed approach to expert evidence standards
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Expansive approach to premises liability (slip and fall cases)
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Creation of new pathways for employees to sue their employers
Why it matters: ATRA’s annual report shines a spotlight on the 10 worst legal jurisdictions, those areas known nationally for allowing innovating lawsuits to proceed, welcoming litigation tourism and expanding civil liability.
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Coming in at number eight in 2024, this isn’t a proud moment for Michigan. A state’s litigation climate is a significant factor for job providers in determining growth and expansion plans because excessive litigation obstructs economic growth, stifles innovation and drives away businesses.
Go deeper: Read the full report, which is intended to expose lawsuit abuse and hold activist judges accountable, or the section about the Michigan Supreme Court specifically.