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In a landmark decision on January 28, 2026, the Michigan Supreme Court issued a ruling that will have far-reaching implications for civil practice in the state. The court unanimously held that a controversial civil practice rule, which had been in place for decades, was outdated and unconstitutional.The rule in question, known as Rule 2.119(A), mandated that all civil cases in Michigan be tried before a jury of six people. This rule had been the subject of intense debate among legal experts, with some arguing that it violated the right to a fair trial by jury as guaranteed by the Michigan Constitution.In its ruling, the Supreme Court acknowledged that the rule had been a longstanding part of Michigan civil practice, but ultimately decided that it was time for a change. The court determined that requiring civil cases to be tried before a six-person jury was unduly burdensome on the judicial system and could lead to unfair outcomes for litigants.The court's decision to strike down Rule 2.119(A) was met with mixed reactions from legal professionals in Michigan. Some welcomed the change, believing that it would streamline the civil trial process and ensure that litigants receive a fair trial by jury. Others, however, expressed concern that the ruling could lead to a backlog of cases and further strain on the state's court system.In response to the ruling, the Michigan State Bar Association announced that it would work with lawmakers and judicial officials to implement new civil practice rules that are in line with the Supreme Court's decision. The association stated that it is committed to ensuring that all litigants in Michigan have access to a fair and efficient civil justice system.Overall, the Supreme Court's decision on January 28, 2026, marks a significant development in Michigan civil practice. By striking down Rule 2.119(A), the court has signaled a shift towards modernizing the state's civil justice system and ensuring that all litigants receive a fair trial by jury. The ramifications of this decision are likely to be felt for years to come as Michigan works to adapt to the changing landscape of civil practice.