Van Dussen V Mi Court Of Appeals - Regarding Filming Mmma Appeal On May 10

[Eric L. VanDussen]

Judges told to explain decision to ban filming - Traverse City Record Eagle 04-30-11

 

TC man seeking to record hearing on medical pot - http://record-eagle.com/local/x151576189/Judges-told-to-explain-decision-to-ban-filming (See attached associated documents)

 

TRAVERSE CITY — The Michigan Court of Appeals must explain why it won’t let a local man film a hearing in a medical marijuana case, the state’s highest court ruled.

 

The Michigan Supreme Court this week told the Court of Appeals to explain why it won’t allow Traverse City resident Eric VanDussen to film a May 10 oral argument hearing in Grand Rapids. The hearing is part of an ongoing medical marijuana case based in Kalamazoo.

 

VanDussen asked the Supreme Court to intervene after the Court of Appeals on April 14 denied his request to film the hearing. Such requests must be submitted ahead of time.

 

“The Court of Appeals gave no explanation whatsoever, they didn’t even try to provide a rationale for prohibiting it,” VanDussen said.

 

The Court of Appeals has until Monday to issue an order with an explanation for its decision, the Supreme Court ruled. The appeals judges who rejected the camera are Joel Hoekstra, Christopher Murray and Michael Kelly.

 

VanDussen, formerly of Benzie County, is a familiar face in local court systems. He’s covered multiple cases as a freelance journalist, and he successfully sued Benzie County a few years ago for violations of the Freedom of Information and Open Meetings acts.

 

He’s particularly interested in legal cases involving Michigan’s Medical Marijuana Act, approved in 2008, and wants to help the public keep up on legal cases tied to the act. The public has a right to know what’s going on with the case, he said, considering widespread public interest in the topic.

 

“It’s a huge deal, and for them to say that the only people that can view the oral arguments are the ones that show up to (the hearing) ... I think that’s pretty egregious,” VanDussen said.

- - - - -

Appeals court rejects video recording in pot case - April 20, 2011 - http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2011/04/20/news/cops_and_courts/doc4daea1e471365626368550.txt

 

LANSING (AP) — The Michigan Supreme Court has been asked to intervene in a request to record video of arguments at the state appeals court.

 

Eric VanDussen of Traverse City says a three-judge panel at the appeals court turned him down with no explanation. He wants to film arguments on May 12 in a medical-marijuana case. He struck out in another marijuana case last November.

 

VanDussen says the public needs to know what’s happening at the appeals court. Arguments at the Michigan Supreme Court are regularly broadcast on a government TV channel.

 

Michigan judges have discretion to control cameras in court, but Justice Stephen Markman has said it’s time to revisit the rule. The judges who rejected VanDussen’s request are Joel Hoekstra, Christopher Murray and Michael Kelly.

[ccpulsipher]

someone needs to get ahold of this guy and tell him about all the judges that are ignoring the medical part of any defence in cases involing mmj i bet he would have a full plate and maybe we could get some coverage on some of these trials

[Eric L. VanDussen]

[jimbojinx]

Congratulations again, Eric !

 

You are one effective DUDE !!

 

dr. jinx

[wingnut]

Eric, keep up the good work you do. Always look forward and never back!

[Kingpinn]

Be an Honor to have you video my Supreme Court hearing Eric . We need more junk yard dog fighters like you Eric . Your in my MMJ Hall Of Fame . Great Work . Its about time these rouge judges were brought to task

[hofner67]

What's going on in the courts, "surely, surely won't stand the light of day"

 

 

 

"Turn, turn any corner.

Hear, you must hear what the people say.

You know there's something that's goin' on around here,

The surely, surely, surely won't stand the light of day.

And it appears to be a long,

Appears to be a long,

Appears to be a long

Time, yes, a long, long, long ,long time before the dawn."----David Crosby---Long Time Gone

[hofner67]

 

 

david, grahm, and stephen.

[solabeirtan]

Thanks Eric ! Congratulations on a Fantastic job, all the way around.

 

Including of course the detailed supporting docs, an incredible asset to the community.

 

You have one heck of a work ethic, bro, keep up the GREAT Work !!! We all appreciate it, I'm sure !

[greenbuddha]

Keep them dancing until 2012 and maybe we can turn some of this stuff around.

 

Thanks, Eric.

[Guest Medicinal Patient]

Thank you for all you do Eric. You show such professionalism in all you do. Thank you for bringing effective awareness to the injustices happening in our court rooms. I am in Grand Rapids and am interested in which case is being heard and has anyone requested supporters yet for this date. Is this one of the cases where med mj isn't allowed to be mentioned in court? Someone get some 3MA shirts out this way. They will know why we are there.

[Eric L. VanDussen]

[V420]

Eric, you are a TROOPER !

[Santas_Helper]

My friend, that's just PERFECT. Congrats to you Sir, and Thank You for the Light that You shine so brightly upon us all.

[thanks2]

Another great win!!

[LongHairBri]

nice to know your legally "any person". it's about time

[jimbojinx]

 

Fantastic news, Eric !!!

 

Way to go !!!!!

 

Dr. Jinx

[Willy]

OUTSTANDING WORK<<!!!! Sic em !!!

[petoskeystoned]

Fantastic news Eric, we are proud to have you up here fighting for all of us!

[TajMahal]

Congratulations Eric! ...and, thank you sir. You deserve a speaker spot at the rally, that is if you wish to.

 

Good Day!

[Danielshemp]

Eric, you're an invaluable asset to the movement. Keep doing your good work.

[Kingpinn]

Wonder if the Supreme Court Could have the Appeals Court hear my argument again and have the media there to capture the moment on film for all to see. Seems my day in court was tainted. Have to ask the ACLU on that one . Im just asking for equal justice

[Eric L. VanDussen]

 

Journalist allowed to video medical marijuana case - http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42910442

 

Associated Press: May 5, 2011

 

The Michigan appeals court has changed course and will allow a freelance journalist to use a video camera during upcoming arguments in a medical-marijuana case.

 

The Michigan Supreme Court had ordered the appeals court to explain why Eric VanDussen's (Van-DOO'-zin's) request was turned down. A three-judge panel this week agreed to allow him to use a camera after he showed that he's an experienced freelance journalist based in northern Michigan.

 

The panel is hearing a medical-marijuana case in Grand Rapids next Tuesday. The appeal involves a Kalamazoo County man charged with manufacturing marijuana. The prosecutor says Ted Anderson had more pot than necessary under the medical-marijuana law.

[medicinejeff]

This is fantastic Eric. Screenplay material. Thank you for your efforts. Better for Michigan too!

[Timmahh]

Shine on your Crazy Diamond!

Great work Eric! you are a true pioneer and proponant for the cause! and a great cause it is (speaking of making our goverments accountable and more transparent). wish more news reporters had the moral backbone and fortitude for Truth as you show.