Welcome to our new and improved comments, which are for subscribers only.
This is a test to see whether we can improve the experience for you.
You do not need a Facebook profile to participate.
You will need to register before adding a comment.
Typed comments will be lost if you are not logged in.
Please be polite.
It's OK to disagree with someone's ideas, but personal attacks, insults, threats, hate speech, advocating violence and other violations can result in a ban.
If you see comments in violation of our community guidelines, please report them.
Mich. Supreme Court won’t upset major ruling on prisoner rights
Associated Press
Published 10:33 a.m. ET June 17, 2019 | Updated 11:42 a.m. ET June 17, 2019
Lansing – The Michigan Supreme Court has cleared the way for prisoners to sue the Corrections Department for alleged civil rights violations.
The court declined to take an appeal from state officials. They’re accused of failing to prevent prisoners from physically abusing inmates who were under 18 years old.
The Michigan Constitution says “no person shall be denied the equal protection of laws” when receiving a public service. But in 1999, lawmakers carved out an exception, saying public service doesn’t include prisons or jails.
The state appeals court in 2018 declared that exception unconstitutional. The Supreme Court last week didn’t take the case, which means the earlier decision will stand.
Justices Brian Zahra and Stephen Markman wanted to hear it. They say the Supreme Court “should have the final word on this significant issue of Michigan constitutional law.”
Read or Share this story: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2019/06/17/michigan-supreme-court-prison-rights-ruling/39589561/
Join the Conversation
To find out more about Facebook commenting please read the Conversation Guidelines and FAQs
Comments