The Michigan Supreme Court has opened the door for public feedback on the long-term strategy for the state’s judicial system. On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, attorneys, advocates, and members of the public will have the chance to speak directly to the Michigan Judicial Council about the future of transparency, accountability, and access to justice.
Register here through the Michigan Courts website.
Why Attorneys Must Also Show Up
Attorneys are on the front lines of Michigan’s justice system. Just like us here at clutch, you see the barriers every day; inaccessible court records, opaque procedures, underfunded defense, and communities shut out of the process.
And that’s why we need you to attend; be our voice, step up, and hold the system accountable.
This event isn’t just another listening session. It’s a rare opportunity for the legal community to directly influence statewide policy priorities that will shape Michigan courts for the next decade.
If attorneys remain silent, the Michigan Supreme Court will hear only from bureaucrats and administrators; those who stand to benefit from a broken system. But if defense attorneys, ethical prosecutors, fed-up family law practitioners, and civil rights advocates come together, the message will be clear: justice requires transparency and public trust, and it’s time to act.
Key Issues to Raise
- Public Access to Court Proceedings: Demand open access to audio and video recordings of hearings and trials. Justice cannot exist in the shadows.
- Equity in Indigent Defense: Push for sustainable funding and accountability in public defense, especially for children and vulnerable populations.
- Judicial Accountability: Call for clearer mechanisms to remove or discipline judges who fail to uphold professional standards.
- Technology and Transparency: Advocate for digitized records, user-friendly court websites, and better access to filings for the public and practitioners alike.
A Collective Call
Community advocates like Dr. Samantha K. Hallman are already registering to speak, urging others to do the same. Dr. Hallman stressed the importance of attorneys adding their voices, alongside everyday Michiganders, to show that transparency in the courts is not a fringe issue; it’s a foundational one.
Legal advocates should also consider highlighting how collaboration between attorneys and community members can bring weight to these conversations.
I asked Dr. Hallman for comment and as always, she provided incredible insight:
The first judicial canon states that “A judge should always be aware that the judicial system is for the benefit of the litigant and the public, not the judiciary. ”
The Michigan Supreme Court, for their part, routinely proposes court rules concerning access and transparency that are for the benefit of the public.
However, after watching several public comment sessions and reading public comments, it’s clear to me that many of these policies do not come to fruition because of fierce resistance from trial court judges. No trial court judge who wants to avoid widespread scrutiny is going to openly state that as their rationale for opposing policies that foster transparency and access. They’re going to cite “the public good”.
We need more members of the general public advocating for ourselves as voters and the primary stakeholders in our judicial systems.
How to Participate
- Register through the official Michigan Courts link before the session.
- Prepare a short statement (2–3 minutes) focused on one reform priority.
- Coordinate with colleagues and community members so the message is reinforced by multiple voices.
- Attend on Tuesday and speak truth to power.
This is your chance to shape Michigan’s judicial system for the next decade. Attorneys cannot afford to sit this out.
Click here to register now; let’s change the legal landscape in Michigan for the better.
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