In the upcoming Michigan elections, voters face the task of selecting two justices for the state Supreme Court. To assist in this decision, Michigan Public’s Morning Edition is offering insights from interviews with the six contenders.
Judge Casandra Morse-Bills stands as a candidate, currently serving as the presiding judge in Michigan’s 23rd Judicial Court, a jurisdiction encompassing Alcona, Arenac, Iosco, and Oscoda counties. Elected twice, she has been on the bench since 2018.
In a conversation with Michigan Public’s Morning Edition host Doug Tribou, Morse-Bills shared her judicial philosophy and experiences.
Roles and Responsibilities
Doug Tribou: Candidates on Michigan’s judicial ballot appear without any party labels, yet they do receive nominations from political parties. You were nominated by the Michigan Republican Party, and currently, Democratic nominees hold a substantial majority on the court. Can you explain the role of the 23rd Judicial Court in our state system and the types of cases you typically handle?
Casandra Morse-Bills: Indeed, I serve in Michigan’s largest geographical circuit, spanning four counties. My position is unique due to the rural nature of these areas and the small population. As the sole judge in my county, I handle probate, district, and circuit court duties. My responsibilities range from criminal and civil cases in Arenac County to appeals across our four-county jurisdiction. This encompasses everything from arraignments to malpractice and homicide trials.
Legal Philosophy
DT: How would you describe your legal philosophy and your approach to the cases you encounter?
CMB: My judicial philosophy is straightforward: I am a rule of law judge, committed to following the law and the Constitution. I believe there is no room for politics in the courtroom; that domain belongs to the legislative branch. Sometimes, I must make decisions that conflict with my personal views, but I adhere strictly to the law.
Memorable Cases
DT: Could you share some cases that have left a lasting impact on you, illustrating the mindset and work you would bring to the Supreme Court?
CMB: Prior to serving as a judge, I was an elected prosecuting attorney and a defense attorney. I’ve worked on many cases affecting victims, which is a crucial focus in this election. It’s one thing to make administrative decisions; it’s quite another to engage with the human element in the courtroom. While I prefer not to discuss specific cases, I can say that aiding victims has been profoundly impactful.
Pending Lawsuit
DT: Earlier this year, a former Oscoda County clerk filed a federal whistleblower lawsuit, alleging you communicated with a juror during a sexual assault case. What is your response, and what is the current status of this lawsuit?
CMB: The lawsuit is pending and arose as I announced my Supreme Court candidacy. The claim that I communicated with a juror is entirely false. In our small community, interactions outside of the courtroom are inevitable, but the alleged communication occurred after the trial with an alternate juror. I am confident the case will be dismissed.
System Improvements
DT: Having served in Michigan’s court system for years, are there any systemic issues you would like to address if elected to the Supreme Court?
CMB: A notable issue is the lack of judicial experience among current Supreme Court justices. Five out of seven justices had no prior judicial service. While I wouldn’t change election requirements, I would advocate for better informing the public about the Supreme Court’s significance and its current impact on our legal system. Enhancing equal access to courts and standardizing procedures across counties are priorities I would pursue.
DT: Judge Morse-Bills, thank you for sharing your insights.
CMB: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these important issues.
Editor’s note: This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity. The full audio can be accessed at the top of this page.
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