Justice Beyond the Courtroom: How Legal Institutions Shape Everyday American Life
The Quiet Presence of the Judiciary in Daily Life Many Americans encounter the judiciary only through headlines involving major criminal trials, constitutional disputes, or politically contentious litigation. This narrow visibility has contributed to a widespread misconception that courts exist primarily as reactive institutions, intervening only during moments of crisis or controversy. In reality, judicial systems […]
The Stadium That Changed Accessibility Across America
Public Stadiums as Civic Institutions Sports stadiums occupy a singular place within American cultural life. They function not merely as entertainment venues, but as civic gathering spaces where identity, tradition, and collective memory converge. Generations of families attend games together, universities cultivate institutional pride within packed arenas, and communities form emotional bonds through shared public […]
Strategic Litigation for Systemic Change: Case Studies Beyond Individual Representation
The law is often perceived as a mechanism for resolving individual disputes, yet its true power lies in its capacity to effect systemic change. Strategic litigation transcends the resolution of isolated cases. It leverages legal principles to address structural inequities, influence policy, and set enduring standards. Throughout my career, I have witnessed how thoughtful, principled […]
Education and the Law: Best Practices for Judicial Engagement with Law Schools and Communities
The relationship between the judiciary and legal education is foundational to the health of our legal system. Courts serve not only as arbiters of disputes but as custodians of the principles upon which our society is built. For law students, practitioners, and the broader public, engagement with the judiciary offers invaluable insight into the practical […]
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 […]