20 MiMfg Magazine January / February 2022
Protecting Manufacturers ’ Interests on All Fronts
By David Q . Worthams • MMA
To create and maintain a statewide business climate that allows manufacturers to compete globally , the bulk of MMA ’ s advocacy efforts focus on the state legislature and regulatory agencies . But gains earned in the legislative or regulatory process can be lost in the courts , so it is important to cover all three branches of state government , including Michigan ’ s “ One Court of Justice .”
For more than 35 years the Association , through the MMA Lawyers Committee , closely follows cases involving the misapplication of a law , rule or regulation and will express our interest when the case reaches the Court of Appeals in the form of an amicus curiae ( also known as a “ friend of the court ”) brief . These types of briefs are submitted by a party not directly involved in the case with valid information , expertise or insight that the Court may find useful .
The purpose of the court system is to resolve disputes . Most cases start at the trial court , where a jury makes the determination . If the decision is challenged , it may go to the Court of Appeals , where a three-judge panel makes the determination . The Supreme Court
Get More ! See Video Blog about Estate of Corrado v Shelby Nursing Center for case details .
is the Court of Last Resort for matters involving state law and does not involve jurors or witnesses .
While the cases are not always directly manufacturingrelated , they are cases that may have a large effect on manufacturers . As in the current case of Estate of Corrado v Shelby Nursing Center , we are concerned about any case that would set a precedent that may have far reaching effects well beyond the limits of the specific case decision .
If you have a commitment to legal excellence , consider membership on this Industry Memberexclusive committee to take a proactive role in advocating for the interests of manufacturers before state and federal courts . 6
Dave Worthams serves as MMA ’ s Director of Human Resource Policy and oversees the MMA Lawyers Committee . He may be reached at 517-487-8511 or worthams @ mimfg . org .
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