Jury Service and Secondary Trauma

By The Honorable Margaret Bakker, Chief Judge, 48th Circuit Court (Allegan County)


There is no doubt that the horrific evidence sometimes presented in court can have an emotional impact on the listener.  Secondary trauma is a frequent topic of conversation for those who work in the criminal justice system.  As judges, we have the ability, throughout the course of an evidentiary hearing, trial, or sentencing, to debrief with our staff and colleagues about the evidence we hear.  And as experienced listeners, we enter court with an emotional preparedness that can soften the blow to our mental health.

Jury Management: 'Do As I Say, Not As I Write'

By The Honorable Joseph J. Farah, 7th Circuit Court, Genesee County

Governor William Milliken was the keynote speaker at my law school graduation many moons ago.  I sat, in cap and gown, as he warned us all against the evils of cynicism.  His message prompted head-nodding from graduates and audience members alike, revealing general agreement about rejecting a cynical outlook on the world.

The next speaker – Professor John Rooney, the award winner for favorite professor – approached the microphone without trepidation, following the State’s highest leader. 

Jury Management: The New Michigan Performance Measure

Posted by State Court Administrative Office on Aug 15, 2016 2:31:12 PM

By Jim Inloes, Management Analyst, Trial Court Services

Being called for jury service is, for many citizens, the only contact they will ever have with
Michigan’s judicial system. There were only 2,396 cases that concluded in jury verdicts in
calendar year 2015. These include all circuit, district, and probate courts and represent less than
one percent of all dispositions in which a jury trial could be held.