Michigan Supreme Court Justice Diane Hathaway will resign January 21.
The news came after the state’s Judicial Tenure Commission unveiled a 19-page complaint accusing her of money laundering, fraud and tax evasion.
“It is an event that has never happened and I think is of very great consequence,” said Larry Dubin of University of Detroit Mercy Law School.
“There is an adversarial relationship between the Judicial Tenure Commission and judges they eventually go after.”
Dubin said the Judicial Tenure Commission’s accusations should go away due to her resignation.
The criminal charges Hathaway faces will remain, however.
“That is a separate consideration. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has filed civil charges against her for purposes of acquiring a piece of property she allegedly owns in Florida.”
Dubin said these Supreme Court seats are highly fought for during political contests.
Governor Snyder now has the ability to choose his own Justice, a decision that could greatly affect the Court's majority.
According to Dubin, Judge Colleen O’Brien from the Oakland County Circuit Court is a likely candidate for the position.
“Regardless of one’s party affiliation I find it to be a sad occasion,” said Dubin.
-Cameron Stewart
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