Justice Noah Hood Seeks Full Term on Michigan Supreme Court
In the upcoming November elections, Michigan voters will decide who will fill two seats on the state’s Supreme Court. Among the candidates is Justice Noah Hood, who was appointed in May 2025 to fill a vacancy. Now, he aims to secure a full eight-year term.
Justice Hood discussed his candidacy and judicial perspectives with Doug Tribou, host of Michigan Public’s Morning Edition.
Judicial Philosophy and Influences
When asked about his judicial philosophy, Hood described himself as fact-based. “I wouldn’t call myself a textualist…or an originalist,” he explained. Instead, Hood emphasized his commitment to adhering strictly to the facts of each case.
Reflecting on a memorable case, Hood recounted, “C.B. vs. Livingston County Community Mental Health,” which involved a quadriplegic child not receiving adequate Medicaid support. This experience underscored for Hood the importance of making just decisions, regardless of public scrutiny.
Federal Experience Shaping State-Level Judgments
Before his tenure as a judge, Hood served as an assistant U.S. Attorney, focusing on fraud and white-collar crimes. He credits this period with providing valuable trial experience and instilling in him the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect, a lesson he learned from Deputy Attorney General James Cole.
Addressing Concerns About Court Balance
The current Michigan Supreme Court includes a 6 to 1 majority of justices supported by the Democratic Party. Hood acknowledged the perceived imbalance but encouraged the public to examine the court’s opinions. “The ostensible majority is a lot more nuanced,” he noted, citing the Eli Lilly case as an example of non-partisan decision-making.
When questioned about the potential perception of the court avoiding controversial cases, Hood clarified, “The short answer is no.” The court’s docket is filled with cases of significant jurisprudential importance, ensuring meaningful contributions to the legal landscape.
Focus on Specialty Courts and Future Improvements
Hood expressed a strong commitment to specialty courts, which address underlying causes of criminal behavior. He highlighted the success of programs like the Veterans Treatment Court, which he believes are “saving people’s lives” and reducing costs in the judicial system.
As a justice, Hood aims to continue supporting these programs and is open to discussions about their expansion, should their positive impact persist.
For more insights, you can listen to the full audio interview here.
Editor’s note: Quotes in this article have been edited for length and clarity.
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