The "sleeping judge" -- former Supreme Court Chief Justice Cliff Taylor -- must have been absolutely the worst justice to ever serve on the Michigan Supreme court, right?
I mean, falling asleep during the arguments in a case in which little kids burned to death in a fire. That positively has to mark you as the least competent person to ever put on a black robe for our state.
Am I right?
Turns out, I'm not.
According to a poll of Michigan lawyers, there's another judge who was just as bad as the recently-departed-from the bench Taylor.
The 2008 Michigawn Lawyers Weekly survey says that Taylor's bench-mate, Robert Young Jr., is just as bad as Taylor, virtually tied for dead last in overall performance.
Young's seat is up in 2010.
Need I say more?
Showing posts with label Clifford Taylor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Clifford Taylor. Show all posts
Friday, February 13, 2009
Sunday, January 4, 2009
One More Sign of Democratic Leanings in Livingston
As we look back at 2008 and political events in Livingston County, people usually focus on how well President-elect Barack Obama did in our county -- almost 43 percent of the vote compared to John Kerry's 36 percent four years earlier.
There were other important signs of an increaasingly moderate lean in this part of Michigan -- Proposals 1 and 2, dealing with medical marijuana and embryonic stem cell research -- both won the county.
The Livingston Press and Argus wraps up these events as part of its 2008 look-back at political highlights in a storyfor editions of Sunday (January 4, 2009).
The piece does a good job of covering the year's political scene, but one sign of Livingston County's increasing moderation that I would add is this:
Livingston County voted for Diane Hathaway for Michigan Supreme Court and against Republican Cliff Taylor.
Michigan Supreme Court races are supposed to be non-partisan, but Taylor was an extremely partisan Republican, the spouse of former Gov. John Engler's legal counsel and a long-time political operative. Under his reign, the Michigan high court skewed far to the right, issuing rulings that not only trampled on the rights of average citizens but bordered on the cruel.
Plus, he was so contemptuous of the rights of litigants that he fell asleep during the arguments of a case involving a fire that killed six children.
Livingston County said "No!" to another term for Cliff Taylor and voted for Hathaway, who had been nominated by the Michigan Democratic Party.
Livingston County Democrats worked hard to persuade voters that Taylor had to go. The party had three events related to the race, including a visit by Hathaway herself at a "Flip the Ballot" barbeque. We talked to everyone who came into our office about the need to replace Taylor. We handed out her signs and carried her literature door-to-door.
So by the time the "sleeping judge" ads rolled around, people in Livingston County were already well-educated about the need to get rid of Taylor.
It's one of the things Livingston Dems are proudest of from the 2008 election cycle.
There were other important signs of an increaasingly moderate lean in this part of Michigan -- Proposals 1 and 2, dealing with medical marijuana and embryonic stem cell research -- both won the county.
The Livingston Press and Argus wraps up these events as part of its 2008 look-back at political highlights in a storyfor editions of Sunday (January 4, 2009).
The piece does a good job of covering the year's political scene, but one sign of Livingston County's increasing moderation that I would add is this:
Livingston County voted for Diane Hathaway for Michigan Supreme Court and against Republican Cliff Taylor.
Michigan Supreme Court races are supposed to be non-partisan, but Taylor was an extremely partisan Republican, the spouse of former Gov. John Engler's legal counsel and a long-time political operative. Under his reign, the Michigan high court skewed far to the right, issuing rulings that not only trampled on the rights of average citizens but bordered on the cruel.
Plus, he was so contemptuous of the rights of litigants that he fell asleep during the arguments of a case involving a fire that killed six children.
Livingston County said "No!" to another term for Cliff Taylor and voted for Hathaway, who had been nominated by the Michigan Democratic Party.
Livingston County Democrats worked hard to persuade voters that Taylor had to go. The party had three events related to the race, including a visit by Hathaway herself at a "Flip the Ballot" barbeque. We talked to everyone who came into our office about the need to replace Taylor. We handed out her signs and carried her literature door-to-door.
So by the time the "sleeping judge" ads rolled around, people in Livingston County were already well-educated about the need to get rid of Taylor.
It's one of the things Livingston Dems are proudest of from the 2008 election cycle.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Come Meet Supreme Court Nominee at 'Flip the Ballot' Barbecue on Sunday
This coming Sunday is your chance to meet Supreme Court nominee Diane Hathaway at a "Flip the Ballot" barbecue Sunday (Sept. 28, 2008) at 4 p.m. at Livingston County Democratic Party headquarters, 10321 E. Grand River, Suite 600 of the Fonda Office Park, Brighton.
Circuit Court Judge Diane Hathaway will be on hand to discuss how she will return integrity and impartiality to the bench -- two key attributes of a judicial system that have been destroyed under Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Cliff Taylor's reign with the Gang of Four.
The event will include a hamburger cook-out for a suggested donation of $10 per person.
This is your chance to meet Hathaway and learn the crucial importance of flipping the ballot over and voting in the non-partisan judicial races.
Circuit Court Judge Diane Hathaway will be on hand to discuss how she will return integrity and impartiality to the bench -- two key attributes of a judicial system that have been destroyed under Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Cliff Taylor's reign with the Gang of Four.
The event will include a hamburger cook-out for a suggested donation of $10 per person.
This is your chance to meet Hathaway and learn the crucial importance of flipping the ballot over and voting in the non-partisan judicial races.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Republicans Torpedo Leaner Government
AFter years of Republican claims that they want smaller govenment and less government spending, a panel of Republican judges has torpedoed a proposal to overhaul the Michigan Constitution.
A three-judge panel of Republicans on the Michigan Court of Appeals said the Reform Michigan Government Now proposal is too sweeping to be on the ballot. Peter Luke has the story.
One of the judges who made the ruling stands to lose his job if the proposal passes. And that's a good bet if it gets to the voters because polls show widespread support for it -- especially among Republican voters. Yet William Whitbeck stayed on the bench and ruled on the case rather than recuse himself.
This proposal would save Michigan taxpayers millions of dollars a year in unnecessary salaries for judges on the Court of Appeals and Michigan Supreme Court, which both have seen their caseloads fall in recent years. It would trim salaries of judges and top officials of state government, reduce the size of the Legislature, and limit the number of state departments.
It is everything Republicans have said they were for -- smaller government, less spending, less bureaucracy. There is a real disconnect between Republican leaders who want to protect their own jobs and Republican rank-and-file voters.
Next stop for the proposal is the Michigan Supreme Court -- headed by Supreme Court Justice Cliff Taylor. Taylor is up for re-election this year. He should keep in mind the wrath of voters before he decides to follow the marching orders of party bigwigs to take the fate of this proposed constitutional amendment out of the hands of the people.
A three-judge panel of Republicans on the Michigan Court of Appeals said the Reform Michigan Government Now proposal is too sweeping to be on the ballot. Peter Luke has the story.
One of the judges who made the ruling stands to lose his job if the proposal passes. And that's a good bet if it gets to the voters because polls show widespread support for it -- especially among Republican voters. Yet William Whitbeck stayed on the bench and ruled on the case rather than recuse himself.
This proposal would save Michigan taxpayers millions of dollars a year in unnecessary salaries for judges on the Court of Appeals and Michigan Supreme Court, which both have seen their caseloads fall in recent years. It would trim salaries of judges and top officials of state government, reduce the size of the Legislature, and limit the number of state departments.
It is everything Republicans have said they were for -- smaller government, less spending, less bureaucracy. There is a real disconnect between Republican leaders who want to protect their own jobs and Republican rank-and-file voters.
Next stop for the proposal is the Michigan Supreme Court -- headed by Supreme Court Justice Cliff Taylor. Taylor is up for re-election this year. He should keep in mind the wrath of voters before he decides to follow the marching orders of party bigwigs to take the fate of this proposed constitutional amendment out of the hands of the people.
Friday, June 13, 2008
If You Drive a Car, Eat in Restaurants, Have a Job -- Don't Overlook this Race
Which race on the November 2008 election ballot has the potential to most directly affect your life? Most people might say it's the race at the top of the ticket -- the presidential battle between Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain.
But the most important race for Michigan residents might be one of those at the bottom of the ballot -- the contest on the Michigan Supreme Court. Chief Justice Clifford Taylor -- first appointed to the bench by Republican Gov. John Engler -- is seeking another eight-year term. And a speaker for the Justice Caucus Supreme Challenge 2008 told Livingston County Democrats Thursday (June 12, 2008) that Taylor -- with the help of the rest of his "Gang of Four" -- has wiped out many long-held rights of Michigan residents regarding the work place, the environment, and the ability to collect on the insurance policies they pay for.
"They mock the notion of justice. ... They literally have said in their opinions that it is not the job of this court to do justice," Said Doug Shapiro, an Ann Arbor attorney.
Taylor, along with fellow Republicans Stephen Markman, Bob Young, and Maura Corrigan, have decided every case they've handled in favor of insurance companies regardless of the facts before them, Shapiro said.
"What they have done is make the Supreme Court a seven-person Legislature and four of them are Republican. It's all politics. They are politicians in black robes," Shapiro said.
Taylor was appointed to the Michigan Court of Appeals by Engler and then the Supreme Court, based on the fact that his wife, Lucille Taylor, was Engler's lawyer. He narrowly won re-election last time. "He didn't exactly rise to the top through merit," Shapiro said.
"From 1999 to the present, they have radically changed Michigan's courts. Environmentalists, unions, insureds -- so many groups have had the doors of justice closed to them under this court. Insurance companies have had the doors thrown open. They have been able to get everything they want," he said.
In the last 10 years, Shapiro said, every case between insureds and insurance companies has been won by the insurance company. The court, he said, has said that since insurabnce companies have a duty to build up reserves to they can pay claims to their customers, it is the best interests of customers to deny claims.
Shapiro said Taylor's court also has:
--Shortened the time to bring a lawsuit against an insurance company for failing to pay claims to one year from the date the claim was filed, allowing companies to drag their feet on paying claims until it is impossible for the consumer to sue.
--Made it harder for family members to be paid for providing care to someone injured in a car accident, requiring that they have a contact to provide care.
--Required injured people to pay for medical care upfront and then be reimbursed by the auto insurer, meaning people with limited means can get no coverage because they can't afford to pay for care up front.
--Made it harder to sue government for actions of their employees, except in the unlikely event that the government workers were the sole cause of the injury.
--Limited lawsuits over roads to pot holes, banning lawsuits over the design of roads or non-functioning traffic signals.
--Barring citizens from suing to protect the environment, a right clearly spelled out in Michigan law.
--Removed the requirement that owners of establishments clean up spills on floors in restaurants, salt their roads, plow snow or fix potholes.
And that's just the start. Imagine what another eight years of Taylor rule would do.
Shapiro said Taylor has an enormous advantage since the ballot will list him as the incumbent and because 30 to 40 percent of voters don't vote in the judicial contests.
"This race is about education" of voters as to what the court has done and the need to vote in the race, he said.
But the most important race for Michigan residents might be one of those at the bottom of the ballot -- the contest on the Michigan Supreme Court. Chief Justice Clifford Taylor -- first appointed to the bench by Republican Gov. John Engler -- is seeking another eight-year term. And a speaker for the Justice Caucus Supreme Challenge 2008 told Livingston County Democrats Thursday (June 12, 2008) that Taylor -- with the help of the rest of his "Gang of Four" -- has wiped out many long-held rights of Michigan residents regarding the work place, the environment, and the ability to collect on the insurance policies they pay for.
"They mock the notion of justice. ... They literally have said in their opinions that it is not the job of this court to do justice," Said Doug Shapiro, an Ann Arbor attorney.
Taylor, along with fellow Republicans Stephen Markman, Bob Young, and Maura Corrigan, have decided every case they've handled in favor of insurance companies regardless of the facts before them, Shapiro said.
"What they have done is make the Supreme Court a seven-person Legislature and four of them are Republican. It's all politics. They are politicians in black robes," Shapiro said.
Taylor was appointed to the Michigan Court of Appeals by Engler and then the Supreme Court, based on the fact that his wife, Lucille Taylor, was Engler's lawyer. He narrowly won re-election last time. "He didn't exactly rise to the top through merit," Shapiro said.
"From 1999 to the present, they have radically changed Michigan's courts. Environmentalists, unions, insureds -- so many groups have had the doors of justice closed to them under this court. Insurance companies have had the doors thrown open. They have been able to get everything they want," he said.
In the last 10 years, Shapiro said, every case between insureds and insurance companies has been won by the insurance company. The court, he said, has said that since insurabnce companies have a duty to build up reserves to they can pay claims to their customers, it is the best interests of customers to deny claims.
Shapiro said Taylor's court also has:
--Shortened the time to bring a lawsuit against an insurance company for failing to pay claims to one year from the date the claim was filed, allowing companies to drag their feet on paying claims until it is impossible for the consumer to sue.
--Made it harder for family members to be paid for providing care to someone injured in a car accident, requiring that they have a contact to provide care.
--Required injured people to pay for medical care upfront and then be reimbursed by the auto insurer, meaning people with limited means can get no coverage because they can't afford to pay for care up front.
--Made it harder to sue government for actions of their employees, except in the unlikely event that the government workers were the sole cause of the injury.
--Limited lawsuits over roads to pot holes, banning lawsuits over the design of roads or non-functioning traffic signals.
--Barring citizens from suing to protect the environment, a right clearly spelled out in Michigan law.
--Removed the requirement that owners of establishments clean up spills on floors in restaurants, salt their roads, plow snow or fix potholes.
And that's just the start. Imagine what another eight years of Taylor rule would do.
Shapiro said Taylor has an enormous advantage since the ballot will list him as the incumbent and because 30 to 40 percent of voters don't vote in the judicial contests.
"This race is about education" of voters as to what the court has done and the need to vote in the race, he said.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Livingston Dems to Focus on Fairness of Michigan High Court
Does the average person get a fair shake when his or her case comes before the Michigan Supreme Court? Or are the justices so bought-and-paid-for by big corporations that the facts of the case no longer matter?
Livingston Democrats will hear a discussion of those issues during a special forum next month titled "Justice No More: What the Michigan Supreme Court Majority Is Doing to Our Legal System."
The event, scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, June 12, is co-sponsored by the Michigan Justice Caucus and will feature Amos Williams, a former candidate for Michigan attorney general.
Donna Anderson, vice chair of the Livington County Democratic Party, is helping organize the forum. Anderson, a candidate for the Michigan House from the 66th District, said judicial matters are key to our democracy.
"Too often, working people think legal issues are too complicated for them or that they don’t matter, so they tend to ignore them. But anyone can understand the basic principle of fairness that underlies our justice system. And it is precisely that principle of fairness that is being lost in our court system today," she said.
"Fortunately, voters will have a chance to try to correct this problem in November, when Chief Justice Clifford Taylor must stand for re-election."
Anderson said that while she looks forward to working on progressive legislation as a member of the Michigan House, the intent of that legislation can easily be undermined by justices who are willing to decide cases based on political ideology rather than the law and facts before them.
And that can affect all aspects of life in Michigan -- from workers' rights on the job, to the health care they are eligible for, to protection of the environment, and beyond.
The event, which is open to the public, will be held at Livingston County Democratic Party Headquarters, 10321 E. Grand River, Suite 600, Brighton. Admission is a suggested donation of $10, plus an item for the Gleaners Food Bank.
People wishing more information may call (810) 229-4212 or email livcodems@sbcuc.net.
Livingston Democrats will hear a discussion of those issues during a special forum next month titled "Justice No More: What the Michigan Supreme Court Majority Is Doing to Our Legal System."
The event, scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, June 12, is co-sponsored by the Michigan Justice Caucus and will feature Amos Williams, a former candidate for Michigan attorney general.
Donna Anderson, vice chair of the Livington County Democratic Party, is helping organize the forum. Anderson, a candidate for the Michigan House from the 66th District, said judicial matters are key to our democracy.
"Too often, working people think legal issues are too complicated for them or that they don’t matter, so they tend to ignore them. But anyone can understand the basic principle of fairness that underlies our justice system. And it is precisely that principle of fairness that is being lost in our court system today," she said.
"Fortunately, voters will have a chance to try to correct this problem in November, when Chief Justice Clifford Taylor must stand for re-election."
Anderson said that while she looks forward to working on progressive legislation as a member of the Michigan House, the intent of that legislation can easily be undermined by justices who are willing to decide cases based on political ideology rather than the law and facts before them.
And that can affect all aspects of life in Michigan -- from workers' rights on the job, to the health care they are eligible for, to protection of the environment, and beyond.
The event, which is open to the public, will be held at Livingston County Democratic Party Headquarters, 10321 E. Grand River, Suite 600, Brighton. Admission is a suggested donation of $10, plus an item for the Gleaners Food Bank.
People wishing more information may call (810) 229-4212 or email livcodems@sbcuc.net.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Justice Taylor's State Tour Mighty Convenient
In case there was any doubt about Cliff Taylor's ties to the Michigan Republican Party, the latest email from the state party makes it pretty clear that Taylor is a party hack rather than an impartial justice.
The latest "Victory Update" from the Michigan Republicans (sent to me by a friend who wishes to remain anonymous) is shilling for Taylor, the chief justice who is up for re-election this November.
The "Victory Update" notes that "Justice Clifford Taylor continues to travel Michigan meeting citizens from all walks of life. Last week he presided over a Supreme Court Session held in Hastings, Michigan. Members of the community and students from local schools were all able to see the Supreme Court in action in the local courthouse.
"Justice Taylor also attended the Manistee County Lincoln Day event in Onekema, and spoke to the Young Lawyers Section in Mt. Pleasant.
"If you have an event in your area that you would like Chief Justice Taylor to attend, please contact Colleen Pero at ColleenPero@aol.com or call her at (517) 675-7323."
How convenient that "Justice No More" Taylor is so anxious to meet Michigan citizens from all walks of life, right before the election. I wonder, are taxpayers paying for the high court to hold sessions all around the state so that Taylor can campaign for re-election?
The high court's press releaes on the Barry County event mentions it is the second such event in the "Court Community Connections." Are more planned? If so, why this year?
The former boss of Taylor's wife, John Engler, made plenty of hay over former Gov. Jim Blanchard allegedly campaigning on the state dime. Surely Taylor himself wouldn't be doing the same, would he?
The latest "Victory Update" from the Michigan Republicans (sent to me by a friend who wishes to remain anonymous) is shilling for Taylor, the chief justice who is up for re-election this November.
The "Victory Update" notes that "Justice Clifford Taylor continues to travel Michigan meeting citizens from all walks of life. Last week he presided over a Supreme Court Session held in Hastings, Michigan. Members of the community and students from local schools were all able to see the Supreme Court in action in the local courthouse.
"Justice Taylor also attended the Manistee County Lincoln Day event in Onekema, and spoke to the Young Lawyers Section in Mt. Pleasant.
"If you have an event in your area that you would like Chief Justice Taylor to attend, please contact Colleen Pero at ColleenPero@aol.com or call her at (517) 675-7323."
How convenient that "Justice No More" Taylor is so anxious to meet Michigan citizens from all walks of life, right before the election. I wonder, are taxpayers paying for the high court to hold sessions all around the state so that Taylor can campaign for re-election?
The high court's press releaes on the Barry County event mentions it is the second such event in the "Court Community Connections." Are more planned? If so, why this year?
The former boss of Taylor's wife, John Engler, made plenty of hay over former Gov. Jim Blanchard allegedly campaigning on the state dime. Surely Taylor himself wouldn't be doing the same, would he?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)