November 4, 2003



ADM File No. 2002-34


Administrative Order No. 2003-6
Case Management at the Court of Appeals
                                   

     On March 11, 2003, the Supreme Court published for comment proposed
amendments of several provisions of subchapter 7.200 of the Michigan Court Rules that
the Court of Appeals stated would aid its effort to dispose of 95 percent of its cases
within 18 months of filing, beginning in October 2003.  The proposals generated
considerable comment both in writing and at the public hearing held on September 25,
2003.

     Those who have participated in the significant debate concerning the processing
of cases in the Court of Appeals, especially the Court of Appeals itself and the State Bar
of Michigan, have proceeded with integrity and ultimate concern for the efficient and
effective delivery of justice to the citizens of Michigan.  We commend this cooperative
approach and trust that such commitment will mark a continuing effort to improve our
appellate system, even in this time of budgetary crisis.

     Accordingly, on order of the Court, and building on the delay-reduction measures 
already implemented by the Court of Appeals, we direct the Court of Appeals to develop
a plan for the management of civil cases that includes "just in time" briefing.  In
developing a plan that is in the best interests of the administration of justice and the
participants in the appellate process, we encourage the Court of Appeals to continue to
work with the State Bar of Michigan and other interested groups and individuals.  The
plan shall be submitted to this Court by February 1, 2004.

     The amended proposal submitted by the Court of Appeals on August 29, 2003,
remains under consideration and can be viewed in the list of proposed rule amendments
at www.courts.michigan.gov/supremecourt/Resources/Administrative/index.htm.