Welcome:


The 28th District Court serves the community of Southgate, Michigan. This is your 24/7 information resource for the types of cases the court handles and court programs.

COURT EMPLOYEES
CAN’T PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE

THIS IS WHY:

Impartiality:  Court employees have an “absolute duty of impartiality”.  A court employee can never give advice or information for the purpose of favoring one court user over another.

Neutrality:  Court employees must remain neutral and cannot make judgments about what is in a litigant’s best interest - only the litigant and his/her lawyer may do so.  A court employee should not advise court users as to which remedies to seek or whether to avail themselves of a particular procedure or alternative.

Unauthorized practice of law:  Every state has laws prohibiting the unauthorized practice of law.  Only attorneys licensed by the state are permitted to practice law and give legal advice.  Even if a court employee is an attorney, he/she still cannot provide legal advice because it would violate the concepts of impartiality and neutrality outlined above.

All persons entering the courthouse are subject to search of both their persons and belongings. Signs posted at the courthouse entrance list all items which are prohibited and which will be seized if found on your person. Weapons of any type, food, beverages, and cigarette lighters are just some of the items that are prohibited. Note: Cell Phones are NOT allowed in the courthouse.