Hazing
MCL 750.411t — Garret's law, graded by injury, up to 15 years for a death
In Michigan, a person who attends, is employed by or volunteers at a middle school, high school, college or other educational institution may not engage or participate in hazing: an intentional, knowing or reckless act that the person knew or should have known endangers someone's physical health or safety, for joining or staying in an organization.
| The conduct | The grade |
|---|---|
| The conductResults in physical injury | The gradeMisdemeanor, up to 93 days, a fine of up to $1,000.00, or both |
| The conductResults in serious impairment of a body function | The gradeFelony, up to 5 years, a fine of up to $2,500.00, or both |
| The conductResults in death | The gradeFelony, up to 15 years, a fine of up to $10,000.00, or both |
- The person hazed is not covered by the section, whether or not they went along with it.
- Consent or acquiescence is not a defense.
- Normal and customary athletic, physical education and military training activities are not covered.
Other crimes committed in the course of hazing are charged under their own sections, and schools keep their own discipline. What a grade means in fines and jail is on this state's charges page. Whether conduct was hazing is a question for a court and for a licensed Michigan attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- MCL 750.411t — Hazing
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Michigan attorney.