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 as a runner who expends energy too quickly risks collapse in the final miles, a court that issues precipitous judgments risks creating instability or unintended consequences within the legal system.
The analogy may seem simple, but it has profound implications. Every opinion, every interpretation of law, carries the potential to shape lives, institutions, and societal expectations. My own experience running more than twenty-five marathons has taught me the importance of restraint and pacing, lessons I carry directly into my work on the bench.
Starting Slow: The Importance of Preparation
Marathon training emphasizes gradual development. A runner begins with short distances, building endurance over time. Similarly, judicial deliberation begins with careful review of the record, meticulous analysis of precedent, and consideration of statutory or constitutional text. Rushing this process can lead to flawed conclusions or missed nuances.
In my practice prior to joining the Court, particularly in cases advocating for accessibility and civil rights, I learned that thorough preparation is critical. A well-prepared argument lays the foundation for meaningful, lasting impact. Likewise, on the bench, the pace of deliberation ensures that the reasoning underlying a decision is sound and defensible.
Mid-Race Strategy: Balancing Energy and Insight
The middle miles of a marathon are often the most challenging. Fatigue sets in, and the initial excitement gives way to the necessity of discipline. Experienced runners adjust their pace, monitor their energy, and maintain focus on the ultimate goal rather than immediate gratification.
In judicial work, these mid-course challenges manifest in complex cases with competing arguments, voluminous records, and ambiguous statutes. It is tempting to reach a premature conclusion or to allow external pressures to influence judgment. However, just as a runner resists the urge to surge too early, a judge must resist the temptation to prioritize expediency over principle. Maintaining measured attention and deliberate reasoning is essential to achieving just outcomes.
The Final Miles: Endurance and Humility
The final stage of a marathon tests both endurance and character. Physical exhaustion forces reliance on mental fortitude and disciplined pacing. In the judicial context, the “final miles” are often the most publicly scrutinized rulings or high-stakes decisions. It is at this stage that humility, patience, and careful deliberation are most important.
My own experiences completing marathons, and even enduring recovery from serious injury while returning to long-distance competition, have reinforced the importance of resilience. Courts, too, must demonstrate endurance in the face of challenging questions, public criticism, or controversial outcomes. Decisions made with care, rather than haste, contribute to stability in the law and reinforce public confidence.
Strategic Patience: Lessons for the Legal System
Pacing in law is not simply about taking time. It is about strategic patience. Judicial restraint allows for thorough analysis, encourages respect for precedent, and ensures that rulings are proportionate to the issues at hand. Premature or overly ambitious decisions may disrupt established legal frameworks or undermine public trust.
Long-distance running and judicial service both demand an awareness of cumulative effect. In athletics, incremental effort produces sustainable performance. In jurisprudence, incremental reasoning strengthens the integrity and predictability of the law. Both require attention to detail, self-discipline, and long-term vision.
Integrating Experience and Principle
Marathon running is not solely a test of physical endurance; it is a discipline that integrates preparation, strategy, and mental focus. Similarly, serving on a state supreme court is not merely a procedural exercise. It demands integration of legal knowledge, ethical judgment, and awareness of real-world consequences. The lessons learned on the course (preparation, pacing, endurance, and strategic insight) translate directly to the judicial process.
Each case, like each mile, contributes to a larger journey. Understanding how to distribute effort, anticipate challenges, and maintain focus over time allows both runners and judges to achieve outcomes that are not only successful in the short term, but enduring in their impact.
Sustaining Justice Through Discipline
Ultimately, the law, like a marathon, rewards discipline, patience, and careful judgment. Judicial decisions that reflect these principles uphold the stability of legal institutions and advance public confidence. My experiences as a marathon runner have offered a constant reminder that thoughtful pacing, careful preparation, and resilience are essential not only in athletics but in the service of justice. By applying these lessons to the bench, I am reminded that enduring success, whether on the course or in the courtroom, is achieved through measured, principled effort sustained over time.