People v. Olson

The prosecution appeals from an order of the Kent Circuit Court which dismissed this case on the ground that Michigan’s negligent homicide statute, MCL 750.324; MSA 28.556, is unconstitutional. The court concluded that the statute violates due process because it imposes substantial criminal penalties for an act of ordinary negligence, thus making a defendant criminally liable without having any intent to commit a crime. The sole issue on appeal is the constitutionality of this statute. We reverse and remand for a trial.

This case arose out of an automobile accident which occurred on February…