Legislative Development: Michigan Reforms Evidence Law to Support Prosecution of Domestic Violence Cases

While prosecutors await the United States Supreme Court's decisions in Davis v. Washington, 05-5224, and Hammon v. Indiana, 05-5705, (arguments were heard last week) regarding the admissibility of 911 tapes in domestic violence cases, Michigan Governor Granholm has signed into law legislation that allows prosecutors to use evidence of a victim's past statements and a defendant's previous behavior in domestic violence cases.  The domestic violence bills are Senate Bills 120 and 263 available at http://www.legislature.mi.gov

Clicke here for the Associated Press article on the legislation (last visited March 31, 2006 bgf)