Update #2

I recently headed to the 47th District Court in Farmington Hills, Michigan to watch my uncle hear cases in the Magistrate's court.  The day started with an assortment of traffic tickets, followed by some sentencing through web conference at a few local prisons. He then heard a small claims matter and delivered a judgement after deliberating in his quarters.  Some zoning infractions were presented after the small claims case.  I then received a private tour of the courthouse from a court officer.  Afterwards, I my uncle showed me his office right across the street and we went out to lunch at La Marsa to discuss more.