Public radio from Western Michigan University 102.1 NPR News | 89.9 Classical WMUK
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Lawmakers Ponder Changes to Sentencing Laws

State Capitol - file photo
Melissa Benmark
/
WKAR

There may have to be some changes made to Michigan’s sentencing laws following a recent state Supreme Court decision.The decision says once juries determine guilt or innocence, judges can’t take into account facts that weren’t part of the case, or prior convictions.

Republican state Representative Kurt Heise chairs the House Criminal Justice Committee. He says the decision makes sense.

“The jury does need to be part of that sentencing process, and when you take them out of the loop, that is unconstitutional” he says. 

Heise says the decision probably means shorter sentences in many future cases, and there are many inmates currently serving who might be entitled to re-sentencing hearings. Some prosecutors are considering an appeal. They would either ask the state Supreme Court to reconsider the decision, or take it to the US Supreme Court.  

Related Content