State Court Administrative Office Recommends Cutting 49 Judgeships in Michigan

Michigan should cut 49 judgeships through attrition, according to a report released today by the State Court Administrative Office.

Michigan Chief Justice Robert Young Jr. said at a news conference that his court and the governor have both endorsed the recommendations, the Detroit News reports. The report (PDF) calls for eliminating 45 judgeships at the trial level and four at the appellate level. The Associated Press and the State Bar of Michigan’s SBM Blog also have stories.

The report said there are too many judges in some areas and too few in others. But no new judges are recommended because of economic realities.

The downsizing is expected to save about $8 million a year. State lawmakers must approve the cuts.

Related coverage:

ABA Journal: "Sustaining Justice: 10 Experts Tell How Courts Can Do More with Less"