State Supreme Court

Candidates were asked to summarize their backgrounds in 75 words and were allotted 75 words to answer each question. If the candidate did not reply by the required date for publication, the words, “Did not respond in time for publication” appear under the candidate’s name.

Do you support public financing of judicial campaigns? Explain.
Do you believe the composition of juries in district and circuit courts adequately and fairly reflects society at large? Explain.
What can be done to provide individuals with wider and better access to legal help and the legal system?

Jane M. Beckering
I received a B.A. from U of M and a J.D. from the University of Wisconsin Law School. While practicing law, I have given over 30 presentations or lectures, received state and national honors, and have a highly regarded medical malpractice career in Grand Rapids, MI. I also enjoy participating in community service projects regarding patient advocacy and human rights. I am happily married to my husband, Raymond E. Beckering, III and have three children.

1. I believe that public financing of judicial campaigns is well worth exploring. Candidates should be selected based upon their legal acumen and ethical integrity, not their financial or political backing. Our system is reliant upon fair and impartial jurists, and removing the financial pressures and potential influences may serve not only to eliminate the appearance of impropriety, but also foster top tier applicants who might otherwise not pursue the bench.

2. While the jury system largely represents society at large, there is definitely room for careful evaluation and improvement in ensuring that the demographics of the jury pool represent the demographics of the community. Our current majority of the Michigan Supreme Court, however, has banned its unconstitutional affirmative action efforts seeking to accomplish a jury pool reflective of the community.

3. Non-profit organizations such as the Legal Assistance Center in Kent County, Michigan are an excellent start at providing individuals with better access to legal help and guidance. Legal aid organizations also support those who otherwise could not afford access to the judicial system. The Michigan Bar Association should continue to encourage lawyers to volunteer their time to pro bono work and/or contribute financially to legal aid organizations as part of their public duty.

Michael F. Cavanagh
University of Detroit Mercy, BA (1962). University of Detroit Mercy, JD (1966). Justice, Michigan Supreme Court (1983-present). Chief Justice (1991-1995). Judge, Michigan Court of Appeals (1975-1983). Judge, Lansing District Court (1973-1975). Partner, Farhat, Burns & Story, PC (1969-1973). City Attorney of Lansing (1967-1969). Judicial Law Clerk, Michigan Court of Appeals (1966-1967). Merchant Marine (Great Lakes freighters). Justice Cavanagh and his wife, Patricia, are the parents of three children, and have two grandsons and one granddaughter.

1. Yes. It would eliminate the most unsavory aspect of a judicial campaign-fundraising.

2. No. More diversity is needed.

3.Having worked in the past to improve access and to better inform the public about our courts’ responsibilities, I have always insisted that these efforts include participation by everyone who is involved in the court system. The Supreme Court’s establishment of trial court performance standards and caseflow management standards help to insure that our courts provide open, accountable and timely access to all our citizens and that there is greater public awareness of these efforts.

Maura Denise Corrigan
Supreme Court Justice 1998 - Present. (Chief Justice 2001-2005). Court of Appeals Judge 1992-1998. (Chief Judge 1997-1998). Partner, Plunkett and Cooney 1989-1992. Assistant U.S. Attorney 1979-1989. (Chief Assistant 1986-1989). (Chief of Appeals 1979-1986). Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor 1974. Law Clerk, Michigan Court of Appeals, 1972-1974. J.D. cum laude, University of Detroit. B.A. magna cum laude, Marygrove College. Five Honorary Degrees from Michigan Colleges and Universities

1. While this problem is for the Legislature to decide, I do not support public funding of judicial campaigns because Michigan taxpayers simply cannot afford even one more tax increase at this time.

2. I believe that Michigan juries are drawn from a fair cross section of the community as our federal and state constitution require. Nonetheless, our Supreme Court and State Court Administrative Office are working diligently to improve citizens’ responses to jury summons and to improve the experience of jurors who are called to serve.

3. Because of economic problems, various governments have cut back their funding of legal aid for the economically disadvantaged. Various lawyer groups are attempting to assist persons left without representation with pro bono services. If our Michigan economy improves, the programs that were cut should be restored.

Kerry L. Morgan
Kerry L. Morgan received his law degree from Detroit College of Law and is an honors graduate of MSU with a B.A. in Political Science and Criminal Justice. He also earned an M.A. in Public Policy, magna cum laude, from Regent University. Mr. Morgan is “Of Counsel” to Pentiuk, Couvreur, & Kobiljak, P.C. He previously served as an Attorney-Advisor with the United States Commission on Civil Rights in Washington D.C. For more information see http://revivetherepublic.com/

1. No. To compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves and abhors, said Thomas Jefferson, is sinful and tyrannical. To compel citizens to fund a judicial candidate also compels them to support that candidate’s speeches and opinions, whether or not a citizen approves of the candidate’s views. Funding judicial elections with tax dollars deprives a citizen of their right to freely give to candidates of their choice.

2. The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury. Michigan’s Constitution simply asserts that: The right of trial by jury shall remain. Neither clause requires statistical parity based on race, gender, religion or other criteria. Nor do they require that juries adequately and fairly reflect society at large. The constitutional hallmark of a jury is not its diversity, but rather that it be composed of impartial persons.

3. Wider and better access to legal help and the legal system cannot be accomplished unless the state expands the exemptions in MCL 600.916. This law prohibits the unauthorized practice of law by non-lawyers. This law, however, exempts the assistance of a domestic violence victim advocate from that prohibition. The legislature should expand the exemption to allow the practice of law by non-lawyers in district courts in regard to civil infraction violations of municipal ordinances.

Marc Shulman
Did not respond in time for publication.