Finding Michigan Case Law

Finding Michigan Case Law

Finding Michigan Case Law

Some Michigan court opinions can be found on the Internet:

Michigan Supreme Court Opinions:

2001 present http://courtofappeals.mijud.net

1942 2000 http://government.westlaw.com/miofficial/historical

Michigan Appeals Court:

2001 present http://courtofappeals.mijud.net (published)

1996 present http://courtofappeals.mijud.net (unpublished)

1977 2000 http://government.westlaw.com/miofficial/historical (published)

You can typically find cases by docket number, case name, or by performing a keyword search. Because each website has its own search engine, you may not be able to use the same search strategy from site to site. If you need additional assistance, use the help screens available on each website.

Even though a court opinion appears on a website, it does not mean it is still "good law." It is possible that the opinion was later appealed and overturned, or has some other negative history. There is no free case validation service on the Internet. For a fee, however, you can:

• Access Westlaw with your credit card to KeyCite the case at www.westlaw.com
• Access LexisNexis with your credit card to shepardize the case at www.lexisnexis.com

Court opinions from Michigan trial level courtsCircuit, Probate and District Courtsare not available on the Internet. If you know that a specific court handled the case you are looking for, you can contact that courts Clerks Office for information on obtaining case documents.