The following is an archived video story. The text content of that video story is available below for reference. The original video has been deleted and is no longer available.

Can authorities be held in contempt for suicide?

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - The Michigan Supreme Court is hearing arguments in a case that will determine whether the Kent County sheriff's department can be held in contempt for failing to prevent a suicide.
   
Stephen Bradley fatally shot himself in 2004, despite a court order days earlier that directed deputies to pick him up before he harmed himself or others. The sheriff's department didn't follow the order.
   
Bradley's sister, Nancy Mick, filed a petition in Probate Court seeking compensation and requesting that the sheriff's department be held in contempt.
   
The sheriff's department says it's immune under Michigan law and can't be pursued with a contempt petition. A Kent County judge agreed, but the state appeals court sided with the family. The Michigan Supreme Court hears arguments Wednesday.