Pacing the Law: Lessons from 26.2 Miles and Years on the Bench
The Discipline of Deliberation Serving on the Michigan Supreme Court has provided a perspective on the law that, in many ways, mirrors the experience of long-distance running. Marathons are exercises in patience, discipline, and strategic pacing. Similarly, judicial decision-making demands careful consideration, measured timing, and an awareness of the broader implications of each ruling. Just […]
The Unique Role of State Supreme Courts in American Federalism
Federalism and the Architecture of Dual Sovereignty The American constitutional structure rests upon a system of dual sovereignty. While much public attention is directed toward the federal judiciary, state courts occupy an equally vital and distinct position within our federal framework. Service on the Michigan Supreme Court has provided me with a vantage point that […]
Resilience as a Skill: How Discipline Shapes Success
People often talk about resilience as if it is something you are either born with or not. I have never experienced it that way. In my life, resilience has been something I learned, practiced, and strengthened over time. It did not arrive fully formed. It was built through discipline, reflection, and a willingness to keep […]
From Classroom to Courtroom: Teaching the Next Generation About Justice and Inclusion
Education has always meant more to me than lectures and textbooks. At its best, it is about learning how to think critically, how to weigh competing values, and how to understand our responsibility to one another. Throughout my career, I have tried to bridge the gap between what students learn in theory and how the […]