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What's in this Guide U.S. President & Vice President Representatives in Congress, 6th Dist. University of Michigan Board of Regents Michigan State University Board of Trustees Wayne State University Board of Governors Michigan Court of Appeals Judge, 3rd District State Representative, 60th, 61st & 63rd Districts Circuit Court Judge, 9th Circuit District Court Judge, 8th District Probate Judge
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Judges of the Circuit, District & Probate Courts 1. What can be done to provide individuals with better access to legal help and the legal system? [125 words] 9th Circuit Court Judge Gary C. Giguere, Jr. Partial term ending 1/1/2011 Alexander C. Lipsey Age 57. Circuit Court Judge. J.D., U of Michigan, 1977. B.A., Kalamazoo College, 1972. Kalamazoo Loy Norrix H.S., 1968. Practiced law, 23 yrs; bankruptcy law, 14 yrs (the last 5 yrs as a Chapter 7 Trustee). NLRB, Region 7 Hearing Officer; Kalamazoo City Commissioner/Vice Mayor; State of Michigan, Legislator, 2001–06. Grew up and raised my family in Kalamazoo. 1. Equal access to justice is the most crucial issue facing our justice system. At present Michigan falls woefully short. We need to, on a state level, comply with the ABA’s standard for an access to justice system. At present Michigan falls woefully short. Our state has adopted uniform standards for jury selection and instruction. It has adopted sentencing guidelines to assure consistent imposition of sentences, but it has not taken any steps to ensure uniform, consistent representation of our citizens in our courts. We need to press our policymakers to bring our system into conformance with the national standards recommended by the ABA. 2. The present system was designed to eliminate the “backroom” judge selection process. Initially, it worked very well. Now however, our appellate courts are being sold to the highest bidder. It is very difficult to fund a nonpartisan election at any level. It is particularly difficult to do so on a statewide basis. When special interests get involved in funding the election of judges, we all are put at risk. Judges should be elected on their ability to justly decide cases, not for their position on one or two issues. 3. I am a problem-solver. I believe that if the old ways don’t work, we need to develop new policies that do. On the criminal side, our top priority should be to protect our law-abiding citizens. We have found out that simply locking everyone up is not financially possible. We need to be fiscally smart and make the tough choices. I have a background that I believe gives me the tools to make the system work. 8th District Court Judge – Incumbent Position Robert C. Kropf Richard A. Santoni 8th District Court Judge – Non-incumbent Position Bill Murphy Age 55. Trial attorney, criminal and civil. B.S., criminal justice, honors, WMU, 1975; J.D., honors, Detroit College of Law, 1980. Tried numerous civil and criminal matters in district and circuit courts, 28 yrs. Case evaluator and mediator in Kalamazoo and surrounding counties. I have devoted countless hours to volunteer service projects; donated free legal services to Migrant Ministry; coached basketball for the YMCA and other youth programs; coordinated Food Resource projects and helmet giveaways for underprivileged children. 1. Properly fund legal aid, encourage all attorneys to provide pro bono advice and representation at free clinics, publicize and provide adequate access to law library materials for research and self-help. 2. Judges in Michigan are elected except those appointed to fulfill terms of judges who have resigned, died or left office for other reasons. Judicial canons of ethics preserve judicial independence by insisting that judicial candidates take no positions while campaigning on issues that could come before them. While there is more potential for undue influence by those who would contribute money to help fund judicial campaigns, the individual integrity of the judicial candidate, strict reporting requirements and limits on solicitations of lawyers help preserve independence. 3. For 28 years I have tried civil and criminal cases in district and circuit courts. I learned something about people and about the law from every case. I have a degree in criminal justice, and I have practiced in and observed the specialty courts in District Court. I have served as a case evaluator and mediator in multiple counties for over 20 years. I am a good listener and believe in justice for all. Julie K. Phillips Age 52. CEO of Law firm: Julie K. Phillips P.C. B.B.A., finance and commercial law, WMU, 1984; J.D., Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Lansing, 1991. Corporate management experience, 15 yrs: Village of Paw Paw, Fruit Belt Electric Co-Op, WW Engineering and Science. Legal experience, 17 yrs: Real Estate, Corporate, and Estate Planning. Phillips Law Office, Inc., Wright, Phillips & Sandmeyer, Inc., Wright & Phillips, Julie K. Phillips, P.C. 1. Even though Legal Aid of Western Michigan represents “indigent” individuals and families there are only seven attorneys who cover four counties and handle cases involving either housing, family law, consumers or public benefits. In addition, Kalamazoo County has 65 attorneys who volunteer time to consult with people at several “clinics” available throughout our County. I would like to see more diversified areas of the law covered by Legal Aid, to at least include bankruptcies and real estate foreclosures during these difficult economic times. I would also recommend that there be a tax deduction for the attorneys who donate their time so that they would be able to claim a “loss of income” and create a greater incentive to help others. 2. The judicial selection process for elections seems to be more fair and impartial than the appointed process. The Governor usually appoints the same political party, instead of who may be the best candidate. As far as preservation for independence, it comes down to the integrity of the candidate. The fact that a candidate may receive up to a maximum contribution of $1,000 from an individual or PAC may be a temptation for some candidates to return “favors” later. That is why I believe it to be important to vote for a candidate who is “independent” and is supported by diverse representation of the community. 3. I believe my broad base of experience leads to better decision-making through a deeper thought process to resolve issues that may come before me. My diverse background of 15 years of corporate management experience: municipal government, electric co-op, and engineering; plus teaching at the college level, being actively involved with various boards and committees, and 17 years of legal experience, including jury and bench trials, best qualifies me to be the next District Judge. Probate Judge Patricia N. Conlon Age 63. Probate Judge. U of Dayton, undergraduate; Wayne State U, graduate and law schools. Elementary school teacher, Detroit. Social worker, Detroit and Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo; Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Kalamazoo County; attorney, private practice in criminal and family law; teacher, WMU, KVCC and Davenport U. 1. There is actually quite a bit being offered by both the court system and the legal community at this point. I cannot think of any additional services that could be offered. The local Kalamazoo County Bar Association offers free legal clinics in many aspects of the law, and our local Kalamazoo Public Library has a law library with a staff that is very helpful. The Family Court in which I am assigned also has forms for individuals, and we find that most individuals who use our Court are given the assistance that they need. 2. There is really no way to guarantee and preserve judicial independence at this point. Whether or not judges are elected or appointed, there’s always going to be some concern about the public affect of every decision that a judge makes. Having said that, my impression of the State judicial system is that at the trial level, Michigan judges are hardworking and as fair and knowledgeable as they possibly can be. 3. As you can see from my background, I had years of experience as a teacher and social worker, in addition to extensive trial work as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney and defense attorney. My training in social work and education gave me the background for the neglect and delinquency cases that I handle, and my trial background helped me with the courtroom skills that I need. |