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Wayne County prosecutor to dismiss all cases issued under governor's executive order

whitmer
Posted at 12:33 PM, Feb 01, 2021
and last updated 2021-02-01 12:33:48-05

WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. (WXYZ) — The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office is dismissing cases related to Governor Gretchen Whitmer's emergency orders after the Michigan Supreme Court deemed them unconstitutional.

The Supreme Court ruled Whitmer didn't have authority to issue COVID-19 orders after April 30, 2020.

Before the ruling, the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office and law enforcement agencies issued ordinance violations and misdemeanors to those who allegedly violated the orders.

As a result of the Michigan Supreme Court ruling, WCPO conducted a review of the cases and it was determined that there is not a legal basis to proceed with them.

“Governor Whitmer’s leadership has prevented many of our citizens from contracting COVID-19,” Prosecutor Kym Worthy said. “However, considering the Supreme Court’s decision, WCPO will no longer use criminal prosecution to enforce the Governor’s Executive Order. It is my earnest hope that people will continue to wear face masks, social distance, quarantine when warranted.”

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