In addition to Michigan’s “regular” courts – that is, district, circuit, probate and appellate courts -- the state also has courts that are designated for “special” purposes.
The special purpose courts in Michigan are: Michigan Court of Claims, Drug Treatment Court, Mental Health Court and Veterans Treatment Court.
Here’s an overview of Michigan’s special purpose courts.
• Michigan Court of Claims – This court hears and decides all civil actions filed against the State of Michigan and its agencies, including highway defect suits, constitutional claims, prisoner litigation, tax-related suits and claims for money damages. This court was part of the Ingham County Circuit Court for many years, but was integrated into the Michigan Court of Appeals in 2013. The court operates much like a Michigan circuit court; the only real difference is that there is no right to a jury trial in the Court of Claims.
• Drug Treatment Court – Michigan has 84 Drug Treatment Courts, which are basically court-supervised treatment programs for defendants who abuse or are dependent on controlled substances and/or alcohol. This court is designed to help reduce recidivism and substance abuse for nonviolent offenders, thereby increasing their chances of rehabilitation. The court uses treatment, intensive supervision and drug testing, and is offered as an alternative to jail for nonviolent offenders.
• Mental Health Court – Michigan has 20 Mental Health Courts, where defendants are selected into judicially-supervised, community-based treatment programs. After a screening and assessment, defendants may choose to work with mental health professionals to develop a treatment plan. Defendants must attend regular hearings and treatment plans are reviewed periodically. Favorable outcomes have been reported in this court, for areas such as employment, quality of life, compliance with medication and improved mental health.
• Veterans Treatment Court – Michigan leads the nation with its 22 Veterans Treatment Courts. The court combines mental health court and drug court principles for defendants who are/were in the military. The court promotes sobriety and recovery in a non-adversarial rehabilitative system, with the main goal being gainful employment for the defendant.
