Michigan Judges

How Do I Impact the Courts?

 

"Providence has given our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as privilege and interest, of a Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers."
- John Jay (1745-1829) first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (one of three men most responsible for the US Constitution)
 

If you are like most aware citizens today, who align themselves with conservative values, you are more than likely very concerned with the direction the courts and Judges are moving. Instead of ruling according to the written law and constitution, they are embracing empathy ruling as they interpret the best decision based on their own perception and understanding of the scenarios in front of them. And when you have leaders sitting at the bench that have a different worldview than what you operate from, using the emphathy style of judging, it causes a dangerous system.

So the question we receive time and again is How do I vote on Judges? And What are we to do about the court system!

Organizations like CTV and others cannot keep up with all the local Judges across Michigan. We primarily focus on the Michigan Supreme Court and Appellate Court leaders.

But what we CAN do is help you learn your own court system, figure out how to impact those on the bench and how to determine the best individual for the job! This page will be in development. If you are reading this and have a wonderful suggested resource, please email us.

It's time that caring citizens understand the Judicial system's culture, how it works, and who is leading so that once again we can know what to do to put Judeo-Christian leaders back on the bench. With leaders of a Biblical worldview mindset in the courts, we can return true justice to our land.

So let's get busy!
 

Steps to get you Started ...
 

1. Check Your sample Voting Ballot on the Michigan Secretary of State website
You need to know: What Judges will you have to vote on on Election Day?

2. These are the Courts that Represent us in Michigan (and you will be voting on them at some time or another)

Supreme Court which oversees the following 6 systems
Court of Appeals which also oversees the following 5 systems
Probate Court, Circuit Court, Court of Claims
Circuit Court Oversees: Municipal Court and District Court

3. When you find out what Courts you are voting for - start searching! A search engine (i.e. www.google.com) is a great place to start. Keep things simple and 'only' go after the ones mentioned on your ballot (come back to learn on the others later)

4. For Your Local Courts, use a search engine (i.e. www.google.com) and find your local Court websites
Example: Amy lives in Jackson County. When she typed in 'judges, Jackson Michigan' this option came up for Jackson County governments Upon exploring it, it lists a link for 'County Courts' with different courts that represent her. Now go find yours!

3. Go to your County Judicial Website:
Read the Judge's rulings and cases
Contact their offices: ask them how you can learn more about the Judges?

4. Visit their personal websites (also found in search engines or through offices)
Who has endorsed them?
Where do they stand on the Constitution?
Call them, Attend an event, Take them to coffee - get to know them

5. Go to experts in your area: who do you know that you trust who knows them?

6. Make your decision and encourage others to be educated as well! Then go vote!

7. Finally, as you go through this process be determined that you will stay alert to these leaders post Election Day. Build a relationship with them, watch their decisions, let them know that you are 'watching' and if need be, work to elect someone else come the next election!

8. And always remember to combine prayer for them as leaders + knowledge + action which will hopefully eventually result in a healthy court system!

Tips: Do not be discouraged if Judges/Judicial candidates do not take a position on an issue. They have to remain objective and are bound by law of what they can say even outside the courtroom. They must be objective.

But what you can do, is find out 'clues': Who are their favorite Justices in America's history and does this Justice mentioned line up with your views? Ask what frames their worldview and judicial philosophy? What rulings have they made that they have been proud of, or wished they could do over and why? Be creative!

 

Other Resources
Judgepedia
Handbook including MI Court Description (page 26) (State of Michigan publication)