Michigan Supreme Court, 2002

The Michigan Supreme Court clarified Michigan's common-law rules governing retreat and self-defense. It held that the castle doctrine applies to a dwelling and attached appurtenances, but not to open areas of the home's curtilage, and that the jury instruction given adequately explained the necessity requirement and…

The court held that, viewing the evidence and reasonable inferences in the prosecution’s favor, a rational jury could find that Hardiman constructively possessed the heroin and marijuana and that the heroin was possessed with intent to deliver.

The Michigan Supreme Court reversed the Court of Appeals and reinstated the circuit court’s judgment, concluding that LeBlanc was not denied effective assistance of counsel. Applying clear-error review to the circuit court’s factual findings and de novo review to the constitutional question, it determined that…