Your Best Reference for Navigating a Criminal Case
Get the book that judges use. Achieve the best results for your clients with practical advice from leading criminal defense lawyers on the most commonly charged offenses. The ICLE Commentary details the elements of the offense, possible penalties and collateral consequences, and specific guidance for defending against these crimes. This book is provided to every Michigan trial judge in partnership with the SCAO.
Refer to what the trial judges use as you:
- Confidently identify sentencing guidelines and lesser included offenses
- Negotiate the most favorable plea bargain
- Present the best case at trial
- Prepare the sentencing memorandum and evaluate the sentencing report
- Get a jump start on research for an appeal
Highlights of the latest update include:
- Michigan Supreme Court updates on self-defense, search and seizures, double jeopardy, and the rape-shield statute
- Michigan Court of Appeals decisions on Miranda, expert vouching, jury instruction accuracy, and more
- New and revised jury instructions covering a range of offenses
- Additional ICLE Commentary on the jury instructions for a moving violation in a work or school bus zone, unlawfully posting a message, ethnic intimidation, and more
- A complete collection of statutes foundational to the jury instructions
PRINT BOOK
2724 pages, 3-volume, 7x10 paperback. Current to 11/01/25. Next update December 2026. Subscription service available.
ONLINE BOOK
Fully searchable and updated as changes are adopted by the official committee. Citations link to Michigan caselaw, statutes, and court rules. Pick from a master list of instructions and download selected instructions into a single computer file. Price is for a one-year subscription.