

The Emancipation Proclamation
In honor of Presidents Day, we take a moment to look back at the most culturally transformative document of the 19th century: The Emancipation Proclamation
January 1, 1863 A Transcription By the President of the United States of America: A Proclamation. Whereas, on the twenty-second day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, a proclamation was issued by the President of the United States, containing, among other things, the following,


Elements of the Crime: Perjury
Perjury is a serious offense that carries very serious consequences. Below are the statutes and jury instructions regarding the offense of perjury: M Crim JI 14.2 Perjury (1) The defendant is charged with the crime of perjury. To prove this charge, the prosecutor must prove each of the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt: (2) First, that the defendant took an oath to tell the truth. [An oath is a solemn promise to tell the truth.]* (3) Second, that the oath was [aut


Elements of the Crime: Texting while Driving
Texting while driving is a civil infraction, not a criminal offense. For commercial drivers, the limitations on "texting" has expanded beyond merely sending and receiving a text message; rather, the law prohibits commercial drivers from many different types of cell-phone "use" while driving. Below is the Michigan statute: 257.602b Reading, typing, or sending text message on wireless 2-way communication device prohibited; use of hand-held mobile telephone prohibited; excepti