First Business Court in Michigan

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2013

Macomb County Circuit Court launched the first Business Court in the State of Michigan in November 2011. The program was created in response to the need of the business community to reduce the cost and increase the efficiency of complex business litigation. Based on the findings of the State Bar of Michigan’s Business Impact Committee, Macomb County Circuit Court took the lead in the state and launched a pilot specialized business docket. The program involves assigning complex business litigation to a judge who specializes in that area and who employs specific case management techniques to help resolve issues as effectively and efficiently as possible. Additionally, the judge allows extensive use of available technologies, including electronic filing and video conferencing, to enhance efficiency and reduce expenses for litigants. Since its inception, 31 cases have been filed and 14 are currently open on the docket. Litigants are surveyed upon case closing and 100% of those surveyed indicated the process was better than the standard civil case processing procedure. The program continues with the overriding goals of improving the judiciary and encouraging an environment of economic growth and prosperity in Macomb County.