Jury reforms pioneered by Muskegon's Judge Timothy G. Hicks going statewide

Two years ago, I meet Judge Timothy G. Hicks at our local Tea Party. My husband Bill gave Judge Hicks a Fully Informed Jury Association Flyer. I would like to take this time to commend Judge Hicks for the part he played in bringing about these Jury Reforms here in Michigan.

The new rules are aimed at getting jurors more engaged, “truly involved, not just sitting in enforced passivity,” Chief Justice Robert P. Young Jr. said in a news release.
Jurors will be allowed to ask questions of witnesses and to discuss civil cases among themselves before the end of a trial, among other rules in a package that takes effect Sept. 1. The Supreme Court will review the changes in 2014.
Hicks was one of six circuit judges statewide who experimented with some of the reforms in 2009 and 2010. Six district judges, none in Muskegon County, also participated in the pilot program. FULL STORY

Verdict in for Springer trial

Jurors discuss Springer trial, decision - Part of Michigan Pilot Jury Program