Rule 21. (1) A request to the administrative law judge or the commission for an
order in a pending action must be by written, signed motion unless made during a
hearing. The motion must include the particular grounds on which the moving party bases
the motion, citations of supporting authority, the particular relief or order sought, and the
signature of the party or the party's attorney. The moving party may file with the motion a
supporting brief and affidavits and a request for a hearing date.
(2) At the time a party files a written motion, the party shall serve on the opposing
party a copy of the motion and, if filed, the brief, affidavits, and request for a hearing
date; and a notice that the rules of the commission require a response to the motion not
later than 10 days after service of the motion. The moving party shall file proof of service
with the commission.
(3) A respondent opposing a motion shall file a response not later than 10 days after
service of the motion unless the administrative law judge or the commission otherwise
orders, shall serve a copy of the response on the moving party, and shall file proof of
service with the commission. The response must include citations of supporting authority
and the signature of the respondent. The respondent may file with the response a
supporting brief and affidavits and a request for a hearing date.
(4) The administrative law judge or the commission may limit or dispense with oral
arguments on motions.
(5) An affidavit filed under this rule must meet all of the following requirements:
(a) Be made on personal knowledge.
(b) State with particularity facts admissible as evidence establishing or denying the
grounds stated in the motion.
(c) Show affirmatively that the affiant, if sworn as a witness, can testify
competently to the facts stated in the affidavit.
(6) The administrative law judge shall set the time, manner, and place for a hearing
on a motion. However, the hearing on a motion must not cause a delay in the date for the
conclusion of the hearing as set forth in section 4 of article IV of the act, MCL 38.104, or
in the due dates of exceptions or cross-exceptions.
(7) If the record does not establish the facts necessary for resolution of a motion, the
administrative law judge may hear the motion on affidavits or may hear the motion
wholly or partly on oral testimony or deposition.
(8) The administrative law judge may direct that a hearing on a motion be held in
Lansing, Detroit, or the county of the appellee.
History: 1998-2000 AACS; 2020 MR 3, Eff. Feb. 6, 2020.
R 38.152 Motion for more definite statement.
Rule 22. If a claim of appeal or answer does not reasonably inform the opposing
party of the nature of the claim or defense, the opposing party may move for a more
definite statement at any time. The motion must specify the claimed defects. If a party
does not comply with an order granting a motion under this rule within 10 days of the
order or within such other time as the administrative law judge sets, the administrative
law judge may strike the challenged claim of appeal or answer or enter an order the
administrative law judge deems just.
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