Michigan courts to participate in National Judicial Outreach Week

Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Elizabeth T. Clement is urging trial court judges statewide to participate in National Judicial Outreach Week. From March 1 to March 10, courts are encouraged to hold events that engage their local communities, including courthouse tours, town meetings, coffee hours, and open houses.

The initiative focuses on preserving the rule of law and emphasizes the pivotal role judges play in building public trust, fostering confidence in the judicial system, and upholding the principles of fairness and impartiality.

“I believe strongly that when judges engage the public, their courts are more trusted by the community as a whole,” said Clement in a memo sent to judges and court administrators. “With that trust comes higher confidence in the judicial system and in the belief that local courts are fair and unbiased, take the needs of people into account, and serve as an appropriate check on the other branches of government.”

By highlighting the importance of the rule of law, National Judicial Outreach Week reinforces the fact that in our courts, no one is above the law and everyone is equal before the law. Essentially, elected leaders do not rule, laws rule, and courts apply those laws fairly and impartially with each case before them.

In addition, adherence to the rule of law means that laws are accessible, clear, and just. Courts must also be independent and accountable, while only performing the functions the Constitution allows to the judiciary.

Events planned at courts statewide will be featured on the One Court of Justice website (www.courts.michigan.gov) and on social media.

National Judicial Outreach Week is also endorsed by the American Bar Association and the Conference of Chief Justices.

State Bar prepares for 2024 election

Nominating petitions for the 2024 State Bar of Michigan election will be available in the Michigan Bar Journal and posted on the State Bar website in March.

The June election will include:

• A judicial member of the Judicial Tenure Commission

• Representative Assembly members in 43 judicial circuits

• Board of Commissioner seats in five districts

• Members of the Young Lawyers Section Executive Council in three districts

Candidates will be required to submit nominating petitions to the State Bar of Michigan between Monday, April 1, and Tuesday, April 30. Ballots will be emailed to all active members before June 2, 2024 and must be completed and returned by June 15, 2024. Anyone with questions may contact Marge Bossenbery at mbossen bery@michbar.org or Carrie Sharlow at suprem@michbar.org.

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