Justice for All Annual Report Introductory Letter: Justice Brian K. Zahra and Angela Tripp, Co-Chairs, JFA Commission

To the People of Michigan: 

Each year, many people must navigate Michigan’s complicated civil legal system without the assistance of an attorney. Individuals are often dealing with issues that can significantly impact their lives such as debt collection, eviction, and child custody or support. The Justice for All Commission (JFAC) is dedicated to advancing reforms that will make the civil justice system easier to navigate while providing additional resources for those navigating the civil justice system without the assistance of legal counsel. 

For many people, accessing the services of legal aid providers can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of their legal issue. In 2022, the Commission released a report examining the value and impact of legal aid organizations on individuals navigating the civil justice system, as well the people of Michigan as a whole. Looking at 2019-2020, for every $1 invested in Michigan’s civil legal aid services, the people of Michigan received a 669% return on that investment in immediate and long-term financial benefits. While legal aid services alone will not eliminate the civil justice gap, ongoing investment in additional legal aid resources is a prudent strategy which often provides a lifeline to those navigating the system. 

In 2022, the Commission took a significant step forward in its efforts to make the civil justice system easier to navigate through the adoption of recommendations from the Process Simplification – Debt Collection Work Group. We are excited for the Commission to begin implementation efforts on these recommendations in early 2023. As these implementation efforts begin, we are also eagerly anticipating the presentation of additional recommendations from several of the Commission’s other committees and work groups that will continue to build upon these reform efforts. 

The breadth and depth of the civil justice issues being addressed by the Commission is substantial. As we begin the third year of Commission activities, we want to express a deep appreciation for the significant commitment of more than 150 volunteer work group/committee members and Commissioners. Working together we will achieve our goal of 100 percent access to the civil justice system in Michigan. 

A MESSAGE FROM JUSTICE KYRA H. BOLDEN - MICHIGAN SUPREME COURT PROBLEM-SOLVING COURTS LIAISON

PSC Annual Report FY 2022

 

In shifting from a maker of laws to an upholder of laws, I feel almost as though I have stepped through the looking glass.

 

When I served on the House Judiciary Committee, I learned about a host of issues affecting Michigan courts and focused much of my time on pushing for meaningful criminal justice reform. I also had the privilege of voting on state support of an array of beneficial programs, including problem-solving courts.

 

Now as the new Michigan Supreme Court liaison to problem-solving courts, I get to view these amazing programs through a whole new lens.

 

After reviewing some of the data shared in this report (and past reports), I am extremely impressed at the success rates of the programs. Year after year, these courts do much more than solve problems—they save lives.

 

But what struck me the most was that these pages are not merely filled with numbers and milestones; they are also filled with hope and humanity.

 

When Chief Justice Clement asked me to take on this role, she spoke passionately about the people who participate in these programs, as well as the people who operate them. The common refrain I kept hearing from her was “people.” And that is what PSCs are all about.

 

People who are getting second chances through these life-changing programs.

 

People who come to work every day prepared to help guide and lift up participants who, on any given day, might feel like giving up.

 

People who see a need in their community for a program that addresses underlying issues in certain justice-involved individuals.

People like Andrew, a past graduate of 55th District Sobriety Court in Mason, who commented about sobriety court:

“It taught me a lot about hope and faith, and gave me the tools to help other people in recovery. It showed me that there is hope even when I was pretty hopeless in the beginning.”

As I continue on my learning curve, I am looking forward to hitting the road and visiting PSCs across the state. I want to see the people who are affected by these programs and I want to help ensure that everyone who needs this kind of help is able to access it.

 

So “thank you” to all of the PSC judges, program coordinators, probation officers, peer mentors, law enforcement officers, attorneys, and counselors who make a difference every day through their work.

 

Hope to see you down the road!