On September 16, 2025, the Michigan Judicial Council will hear from the public on the future of our courts. I am submitting the following public comment not only as the Editor of Clutch Justice, an independent investigative news desk, but also as a long-time advocate for restorative justice and accountability in Michigan.
Reform Cannot Happen Without Data
Michigan’s judicial system has resisted publishing comprehensive statistics on judicial discipline, case outcomes, and sentencing disparities. Without that information, the public is asked to trust a system that too often shields itself from scrutiny. Accountability is impossible when the truth is hidden in sealed files and incomplete reports. Real reform requires the systematic collection and public release of this data.
Rising JTC Complaints Reflect Public Distrust
This year, Michigan has seen a surge in complaints filed with the Judicial Tenure Commission (JTC). That rise is not a coincidence. It reflects a public that is losing confidence in its judges. Behind each complaint is a citizen, a family, or an attorney who feels that the system has failed them. Reform must include transparency in how these complaints are processed and stronger accountability measures for judges who abuse their power.
Video Recordings Are a Necessity, Not a Luxury
As JTC complaints rise, public access to court proceedings becomes even more critical. Michigan residents deserve to see and hear what happens in their courts without being forced to pay for costly transcripts or navigate restricted access. Video recordings should be the standard. They would allow communities to track misconduct for themselves and help rebuild public trust in a system that too often operates behind closed doors.
Transparency Is the Foundation of Reform
Without transparency, reform is a slogan. Michigan’s long-term judicial strategy must embrace transparency as its foundation. That means:
- Open data dashboards
- Accessible video recordings
- Plain-language explanations of court processes
- Public reporting of disciplinary actions and judicial performance metrics
The people of Michigan should not need a law degree just to understand how their own courts function.
Closing Statement
Michigan’s courts cannot continue to operate in the shadows while public confidence erodes. Rising JTC complaints, closed-door practices, and opaque data reporting all point to the same truth: transparency is the reform. The public deserves video, data, and accountability and until those tools are prioritized, the promise of justice in Michigan will remain unfulfilled.
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