Changes at the Michigan Supreme Court: Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement Steps Down
Amidst a backdrop of judicial shifts and significant campaign spending, the Michigan Supreme Court is facing a transition. Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement has announced her resignation, paving the way for a new appointment by Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer. This change comes after Clement, initially appointed by Republican Governor Rick Snyder in 2017, was elected to a full term the following year.
In a discussion with Morning Edition host Doug Tribou, Clement shared insights into her decision to leave the bench. “I wish that things had lined up better timing-wise,” Clement remarked. She is set to become the president of the National Center for State Courts, a role she described as an opportunity that was too significant to pass up.
A Nonpartisan Perspective on Judicial Appointments
Clement’s departure will allow Governor Whitmer to appoint her successor, potentially increasing the Democratic-nominated majority on the court to 6-1. Despite this, Clement emphasized her focus on maintaining the nonpartisan nature of Michigan’s judiciary. “I’ve dissented plenty as well,” she noted, addressing criticism from conservatives about her judicial decisions.
The outgoing Chief Justice expressed a desire for changes in the nomination process for justices, suggesting that the current system of political endorsements may not serve the best interests of justice. “It’s frustrating to me when I hear people talk about Republican-majority-nominated court or the Dem-nominated-majority court,” Clement said, advocating for a more balanced approach.
Judicial Compensation and Retention Concerns
Another significant issue Clement addressed is the compensation of Michigan Supreme Court justices. With all judges in the state expected to earn more than Supreme Court justices by 2025, she highlighted the challenges of attracting qualified candidates. “In October of 2025, all judges in Michigan will be paid more than the Michigan Supreme Court justices,” Clement stated, underscoring the need for competitive salaries.
The Future Under Chief Justice Megan Cavanagh
As Justice Megan Cavanagh prepares to assume the role of Chief Justice, Clement expressed confidence in her successor’s ability to lead the court. Cavanagh’s background as an engineer, combined with her legal expertise, positions her to continue advancing key initiatives, including trial court funding and legal representation for child welfare.
With these upcoming changes, the Michigan Supreme Court is poised to navigate a new chapter while maintaining its commitment to nonpartisan justice and addressing the complexities of judicial administration.
Editor’s notes: Some quotes in this article have been edited for length and clarity. You can hear the full interview near the top of this page.
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