Whether you're a novice in the field of law or a trained paralegal, "So you want to be a Michigan Legal Writer," is designed for you - a Michigan prisoner. As a law clerk for numerous years, a repetitive question was, "where can I find..." That question is answered here. Starting with its easy to read introduction to the Making of the Legal Writer, the author takes the reader on a brief history of American laws, Michigan Laws and the federal and state court system. This self-help legal manual offers chapters on judicial reviews, administrative and appellate exhaustions, and proven practical strategies for finding applicable law using the LexisNexis for preparing effective motions and briefs. There are also sample pleadings every prisoner will eventually need and a thorough post-conviction section. Within its 10 insightful chapters, and an Appendix filled with hard to find MiDOC pertinent information, federal and state addresses, and a glossary of selected terms, this single manual will answer that question the reader is asking.

Scores of talented and dedicated people serve the forensic science community, performing vitally important work. However, they are often constrained by lack of adequate resources, sound policies, and national support. It is clear that change and advancements, both systematic and scientific, are needed in a number of forensic science disciplines to ensure the reliability of work, establish enforceable standards, and promote best practices with consistent application. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward provides a detailed plan for addressing these needs and suggests the creation of a new government entity, the National Institute of Forensic Science, to establish and enforce standards within the forensic science community. The benefits of improving and regulating the forensic science disciplines are clear: assisting law enforcement officials, enhancing homeland security, and reducing the risk of wrongful conviction and exoneration. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States gives a full account of what is needed to advance the forensic science disciplines, including upgrading of systems and organizational structures, better training, widespread adoption of uniform and enforceable best practices, and mandatory certification and accreditation programs. While this book provides an essential call-to-action for congress and policy makers, it also serves as a vital tool for law enforcement agencies, criminal prosecutors and attorneys, and forensic science educators.