DETROIT — The Michigan Supreme Court has shown a possible difference of opinion within its ranks. 

A minimum five-year sentence was allowed to stand last week by Chief Justice Robert Young Jr., who joined three justices against the court’s conservative bloc. 

After Jorge Ivan-Torres pleaded guilty to armed robbery in 2009, a Wayne County judge added points to the sentencing formula because he targeted illegal immigrants who he believed would be afraid to contact police and make complaints. 

The decision has raised questions by justices over whether illegal immigrants now have greater protections than others as crime victims.