Question:  Why do Judges wear black robes?

Answer:  Upon the founding of our country, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson disagreed on what judges should wear.  John Adams, our second President, wanted judges to dress similarly to English judges and wear red robes and wigs.  Thomas Jefferson, on the other hand, preferred that judges wear suits.  A compromise agreement was reached: judges would wear black robes, but they would  not use wigs.  The robe is considered a reminder of the law and a symbol of neutrality.

Question:  Recently I received a 30 mph violation in a 25 mph residential zone (5 mph over). I was writing you to ask how many points this will be on my record. The ticket indicates that it is 0 points, but I just wanted to make sure.

Answer:     According to the Michigan Secretary of State, 1 to 5 miles per hour over the speed limit is a 2 point violation. The only time a person might receive a citation for 1-5 miles over the speed limit and not receive points is if the violation occurred on a freeway, i.e. 75 mph in a 70 mph zone. This is known as "limited access." You should understand that points are assessed by the Secretary of State, not the Court. The Court lacks the authority to raise, waive, or lower points on any given violation.

Question:  What happens if a defendant is not notified that he is expected to appear in court, and a ruling is made without his presence? If money is owed to the plaintiff by the defendant, can the amount increase without the defendant's knowledge?

Answer: 

1. We cannot provide legal advice.

2. Is the case, civil or criminal? If civil, was the party a plaintiff or a defendant?

Failing to appear on a civil case may have resulted in either a default judgment or a dismissal of the case depending upon which party did not appear.