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Judge Michael Schipper Abusing Sentencing Discretion: A Closer Look at Unjust Rulings in Michigan

Rita Williams By Rita Williams June 23, 2024
12 Min Read
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For the latest Michigan Supreme Court decision on Schipper’s upward departures, read my full analysis on the Schipper remand.

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Last Update: January 31, 2026

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5th circuit court, abuse of power, Abuse of Sentencing Discretion, Barry County, Barry County Circuit Court, Barry County Courts, Civil Rights, civil rights violations, corrupt, Corruption, Court Accountability, Court and Corruption, Court of Appeals decisions, Court Oversight, Court Transparency, Criminal Justice, criminal justice reform, Criminal Sentencing, dirty, dishonesty, diversion court, Fair Sentencing, fake plea deal, Hastings, Investigative Journalism, journalism, Judge Michael Schipper, Judicial Abuse, judicial accountability, Judicial discretion abuse, Judicial Misconduct, Judicial overreach, Judicial Tenure Commission, Justice Reform Movement, Justice System Accountability, justice system reform, kalamazoo county, legal ethics, Legal System Accountability, legal system reform, legislature, Michigan, michigan court of appeals, Michigan Courts, Michigan institute of justice, Michigan Judicial System, Michigan justice system, middleville, mitigating factors, mitigation, people v. lockridge, People v. Velasquez, plea bargain, Plea bargain violations, plea deal, probation, Problem-Solving Courts, Prosecutorial Misconduct, public accountability, Public Trust in Courts, Public Trust in Justice, richland, Rita Williams, sadistic, Sentencing Discretion Abuse, sentencing Guidelines, Sentencing Reform, sham plea bargaining, upward departure, veterans court
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About the Author

Rita Williams Rita Williams

Rita Williams

Rita Williams, Michigan, is a justice system strategist and writer who centers lived experience, structural analysis, and human dignity in every piece she creates. She has spent years studying how courts, policies, and public systems shape people’s lives and families. Rita writes to illuminate harm that is often invisible, explain law and systems with ease, and advocate for reforms grounded in both evidence and empathy. Her work bridges legal analysis, institutional critique, and public education, with a consistent focus on accountability without losing sight of the humans whom the justice system most affects.

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