Legislating Behind Closed Doors
Legislating Behind Closed Doors
Senior Judge and Detroit legend Damon Keith once wrote, “Democracy dies behind closed doors.”
In an event that is believed to be unprecedented in Michigan history, public access to the Capitol building was closed off on Dec. 6, 2012 just as a highly controversial right-to-work law was being introduced. For over four hours, members of the public—including union members, journalists, lobbyists, and other concerned citizens—were prevented from going inside as debates were occurring and votes were cast.