Civil rights action that originated with involuntary commitment is reinstated

Mary Sleeper's charge that her civil rights were violated by Tuscola County employees who sought her involuntary commitment to the hospital was reinstated, although many of her claims were dismissed.  The trial court had originally dismissed her claim entirely because her attorney was twenty minutes late returning from lunch during the trial.  The appellate court held that this sanction was unduly harsh and unreasonable, but it did uphold the dismissal of claims against the County and several individuals.  Ms. Sleeper had failed to support her claim against the County by establishing inadequate training or an illegal policy, and she had failed to demonstrate anything other than good faith on the part of the individuals whose dismissal was upheld.  The court held that she was entitled to a jury decision with regard to her claims against the two remaining individuals.