Judge Viviano appointed to High Court

Judge David Viviano of Sterling Heights was appointed last week to the Michigan Supreme Court, filling the vacancy created by former Supreme Court Justice Diane Hathaway, who resigned in January amidst a real estate scandal. Viviano is chief judge of the 16th Circuit and Macomb County Probate courts. ''Judge Viviano has a distinguished record of judicial integrity and innovation,'' said Governor Rick Snyder, in making the announcement. ''His deep respect for the judicial branch of government and his commitment to the rule of law will serve Michigan well." Viviano, 41, was elected to the 16th Circuit Court in 2006. Prior to taking the bench, he worked at Dickinson Wright PLLC in Detroit and Jenner & Block LLC in Chicago before starting his own firm in Mount Clemens. He also served as city attorney for Center Line. ''I thank Gov. Snyder for his confidence in my abilities and for the privilege of serving the people of Michigan on our state's highest court,'' Viviano said. ''It is a tremendous responsibility and one that I cherish. I look forward to working with my esteemed Supreme Court colleagues to provide the thoughtful, impartial justice that citizens deserve.'' Chief Justice Robert P. Young, Jr. called VIviano a welcome addition to the Court. "Justice Viviano is uncommonly bright and learned in the law," he said. "But it is not his legal ability alone that makes him an outstanding jurist. He also knows that the role of judges is to interpret the laws, not to make them. He understands the deference due to the legislature as the body that expresses the will of the people through legislation. He is committed to following the rule of law wherever it leads him." Attorney General Bill Schuette praised the appointment. "I have known Judge Viviano and his family for many years," he said. "Judge Viviano is smart, with the utmost integrity and character, and there is no doubt he will serve with distinction. He understands the law, brings an even temperament and will serve the people of Michigan with the highest standards of excellence." Viviano has been active in various initiatives to improve the court system. In 2008, he was selected by the Michigan Supreme Court to participate in a pilot project to reform the jury system. Several of those enhancements were adopted by the Supreme Court and are being used by judges statewide. Viviano also led the 16th Circuit Court's e-filing pilot project and is a strong advocate for technological innovation in the court system. Judicial service runs in Viviano's family. His sister, Judge Kathryn Viviano, currently serves in the 16th Circuit Court's Family Division. His father, Judge Antonio Viviano, served as a probate judge from 1993 to 2002 and as a circuit judge from 2003 to 2010. Viviano earned degrees from Hillsdale College and the University of Michigan Law School. Viviano and his wife Neran have two children and are expecting a third in July. Supreme Court justices serve eight-year terms. Former Justice Hathaway took office in 2009 and served until her resignation last month. Viviano must seek election in 2014 to serve the remaining two years of the term. He then will have to run for re-election in 2016 in order to serve a full eight-year term. Under Article VI, Section 23 of the state constitution, the appointment belongs to the governor alone. Published: Mon, Mar 4, 2013

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