(Source: MIRS.news, Published 08/04/2023) The Michigan judicial system led by the Michigan Supreme Court is 22 years ahead of the state Legislature when it comes to the issue of banning weapons.
In a document reviewed by MIRS dated March 27, 2001, the high court tells all other courts, "It is ordered that weapons are not permitted in any courtroom, office or other space used for official court business" and the order is given immediate effect. Chief judges of each court do have the discretion to waive the rule in certain cases.
A public hearing was held and public comment was taken on the order after the March memo was issued.
At the Michigan Supreme Court building metal detectors were installed. According to the policy, "if someone goes through the metal detector and is found to have a gun, the Michigan State Police Capitol Post would be called."
The concealed weapons permit question is now part of the debate over the pending decision by the State Capitol Commission to ban weapons, including explosives, from the building.
At least one lawmaker, Rep. Angela Rigas (R-Alto) reports she has a concealed weapons permit, and it appears that she will not surrender her weapon when the ban is expected to take effect.
At the Supreme Court the policy reads, "Someone who presents a concealed weapons permit and a concealed weapon, they are denied entry."
Since the proposed policy for the Capitol is clear that "no weapons" are permitted, what will happen when a lawmaker tries to bring a weapon into the building? Would he or she really be denied entrance?
If a lawmaker was denied entrance into the House chamber by law enforcement, one former lawmaker predicted a "constitutional crisis." Article IV, Section 11 of the state Constitution reads that senators and representatives "shall be privileged from civil arrest and civil process during sessions of the legislature."
