MSU COL: Michigan Supreme Court

Project Description

Project Description

***THIS PROJECT IS FOR FALL 2026 1L MSU COLLEGE OF LAW STUDENTS ONLY***

Access to Justice issues will be discussed at all sites.  Some sites require participants to pass through security protocols, including metal detectors.  If you are visiting one such site, you may need to remove belts, jewelry/watches, cell phones, and bags may be searched.  Travel lightly to promote ease of entry.  

We recommend all participants wear their Foundations Week Polo shirts and business casual pants (not shorts nor jeans). 

All participants must check-in at the welcome event held in the Hannah Community Center.  All transportation will depart from the Hannah Community Center. and you must check in to receive your confirmed site, bus number and table assignment.

Schedule for the Day

9:00–9:30 a.m.           Check-in/Coffee and Snacks               Hannah Community Center.

9:30–10:00 a.m.         Program                                               Hannah Community Center.

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Access to Justice Day Site Visits        Community, Various

1:00–3:00 p.m.           Lunch & Reflection                             Hannah Community Center.

Project Date

August 27, 2026

Project Coordinator

Audra Foster

audra.foster@law.msu.edu

517-432-6810  

 

Community Partner - Michigan Supreme Court

Michigan Supreme Court Accommodations

• Participants must progress through security.

About Michigan Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is Michigan's court of last resort, consisting of seven justices. Each year, the Supreme Court receives over 2,000 applications for leave to appeal from litigants primarily seeking review of decisions by the Michigan Court of Appeals.

The Supreme Court's authority to hear cases is discretionary. The Court grants leave to those cases of greatest complexity and public import, where additional briefing and oral argument are essential to reaching a just outcome.

Each justice is responsible for reviewing each case to determine whether leave should be granted. Cases that are accepted for oral argument may be decided by an order, with or without an opinion. These orders may affirm or reverse the Michigan Court of Appeals, may remand a case to the trial court, or may adopt a correct Court of Appeals opinion. 

Cases come before the Court during a term that starts August 1 and runs through July 31 of the following year. The Court hears oral arguments in Lansing beginning in October of each term. Decisions are released throughout the term, following oral arguments.

In addition to its judicial duties, the Supreme Court is responsible for the general administrative supervision of all courts in the state.

The Supreme Court also establishes rules for practice and procedure in all courts.

Website: https://www.courts.michigan.gov/courts/supreme-court/about-msc/