LANSING, MI (AP)-- The Michigan appeals court has rejected a challenge to a court that hears lawsuits against the state.
The appeals court says there's nothing unconstitutional about the Court of Claims, which was overhauled by the Legislature last year. The decision was released Wednesday.
Lawsuits against the state had been handled by judges in Ingham County, the home of state government. But the Court of Claims now is run by judges who sit on the appeals court.
Critics claimed it was a move by the Republican-controlled Legislature to take cases away from liberal judges in Ingham County. Governor Rick Snyder said it would spread cases to judges across the state.
The lawsuit was filed by Thomas Okrie of St. Clair County.