Programs/reorganization efforts implemented through the Judicial Council.

The Judicial Council has been instrumental in implementing the following programs and reorganization:

Judicial Cross Assignments among Circuit, District and Probate Courts

Each judge in Genesee County is authorized by Local Administrative Order to preside in any court. This arrangement fosters cooperation and flexibility.

Pro Per Docket by Family Division Referees

To establish judicial efficiencies for all litigants, a Friend of the Court referee presides over domestic cases in which parties represent themselves. In some cases, parties may pursue their matters with a judge.

Removal Trial Docket

Cases that mediate in Circuit Court for less than $25,000 and fit the profile of District Court jurisdiction are placed on this docket. District judges are assigned to the cases.

Case Evaluation

Case Evaluation plan for circuit, district and probate court was developed after addition of MCR 2.404. 68th District Court and Probate Court cases are scheduled through the Circuit Court ADR Clerk. Family Division Implementation

On January 1, 1998 family litigation previously handled by Circuit and Probate Court was consolidated in the Family Division of Circuit Court.

Jail Work Group

The group is comprised of judges, law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, police chiefs and corrections administrators with the mission of examining methods and policies that promote jail population control.

Felony Plea Project

The Felony Plea Project is developing a process where guilty pleas in felony cases are taken by District Judges before the case is sent to Circuit Court. The purpose of this project is to assist with jail space management and to expedite movement of cases through the court system.

Drug Court

The Drug Court is a joint local administrative order setting forth a commitment to implement comprehensive drug courts in Genesee County. It consists of a circuit court felony drug court, a family division neglect & abuse, delinquency drug and a 67th District Court sobriety Court. Funding for the drug courts is primarily through grants with a local funding unit match.