In December 2024, the Detroit Free Press published an investigative report highlighting significant concerns about Michigan’s judicial accountability system. To many of us who have witnessed misconduct in the system, it comes as little surprise.
The article detailed cases involving two Michigan judges, Wayne County Judge Kenneth King who has a longstanding obsession with his YouTube Audience, and Oakland County Judge Kathleen Ryan, who sexually harassed a Court Administrator and regularly used racial and homophobic slurs. The report brings to light critical issues in the mechanisms designed to hold judges accountable, and how they are in large part, utterly failing.
There is Nothing New Under the Sun
This report underscores a longstanding debate over the transparency and effectiveness of Michigan’s judicial oversight, where critics argue that the current system lacks sufficient transparency, hindering the public’s ability to assess judicial conduct.
This concern isn’t new; a 2014 article pointed out that Michigan’s secrecy prompted the Center for Public Integrity to question the state’s commitment to judicial accountability, and it has happened again after the National Center for State Courts found that the Judicial Tenure Commission, tasked with judicial oversight, engages in racist practices.
Lynn Helland, Director of the Judicial Tenure Commission claims private punishment works, he is incorrect, as judges seem to become more emboldened and voters continue on completely unaware what their judiciary is really up to.
I have previously reported on multiple events dating back to 2014, where Barry County Judge Michael Schipper engaged in misconduct, biasing cases before they were concluded. He received a private talking-to for his comments, as confirmed in a Judicial Tenure Commission Report.
Since then, his unethical behavior escalated into violating plea agreements and quid pro quo, perhaps leading him, like others, to believe he’s untouchable.
Michigan’s Systemic Ethics and Transparency Issues
The broader context reveals systemic issues within Michigan’s approach to ethics and transparency. In 2015, Michigan ranked last in a national study evaluating state ethics and transparency laws. Factors contributing to this ranking included weak public records laws and the absence of requirements for personal financial disclosures by lawmakers and top state officials.
These deficiencies have real-world implications and stretch beyond the judiciary and there appears to be no accountability in sight.
Elected Leaders Blocking Transparency and Accountability
For instance, in March 2023, concerns were raised about Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office withholding key records in high-profile cases, despite her previously advocating for transparency. These poor choices and actions fuel public skepticism and erode trust in the state’s commitment to open governance.
Efforts to address these challenges are met with resistance, and it doesn’t matter which Political Party is at the helm. In January 2025, the Michigan Senate, led by Democrats, considered legal action against the GOP-led House for delaying the presentation of nine bills to the governor.
Further, the GOP-led House has zero interest in addressing FOIA, with Leader Matt Hall of Richland, saying, “don’t get your hopes up.”
Got a Judicial Complaint? Send it to the Supreme Court.
It seems the only concerns being taken seriously, are the ones being directed to the Supreme Court Chief Justice, and circumventing the ineffective Judicial Tenure Commission all together.
If nothing else, the December 2024 Free Press report serves as a critical reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive reform in Michigan’s judicial accountability system. Ensuring transparency, enforcing ethical standards, and fostering public trust are essential steps toward a more just and accountable judiciary.
