About Justice Weaver
Retired August 26, 2010

Throughout Justice Elizabeth "Betty" Weaver's over 35 years of experience as a trial and appellate judge (Probate/Juvenile, Court of Appeals, Supreme Court), including 2 years as Chief Justice, she has maintained a proven record based on these major practices:
Exercising Judicial Restraint
Applying Common Sense

A fundamental tenet of her stand for jusitice is to hold wrong-doers accountable and responsible for their actions, while providing opportunities for them to discover and develop their own self-worth and to become law-abiding, productive citizens.

In exercising judicial restraint (interpreting, not making, the law -- judicial self-discipline), Justice Weaver has followed the law as constitutionally passed by the legislature and consistent with the rulings of the U.S. Supreme Court. She has used the responsibility of interpretation, not as a sword to superimpose her own personal views (or those of special interest groups) on the law, but as a shield to protect the constitutional rights of the people and the constitutional acts of the legislative and executive branches.

In November 2002, Justice Weaver won re-election for a second 8-year term on the Michigan Supreme Court.
This site provides information about her experience, credentials, principles, and major initiatives for the State of Michigan.

Check this site often for up-to-date press releases and other information about important work going on in the Supreme Court of Michigan.

10 Principles For Living
Fundamental Tenets of Responsible Behavior

By Justice Elizabeth A. Weaver

10. Don't Attempt the Impossible. But you decide what is possible. By all means, listen to friends and relatives and even the experts, but ultimately decide for yourself what is right, what is possible or impossible to attempt.

9. Do Your Best. The reward is in the doing.

8. Do Right and Fear Not. It's simple to say but is not always easily accomplished. Followed, it will see you through life's temptations and challenges.

7. Take Opportunities When Available. They rarely come at what you conceive of as a perfect time.

6. Avoid Unnecessary Disputes and Confrontations. They cause friction, and friction wears things out.

5. Don't Let the Turkeys Get You Down.

4. You Catch More Bees With Honey Than Vinegar But Sometimes You Need Vinegar To Clean The Windows. Treat people as you would have them treat you.

3. Realize That People Don't Always Do What's Right for the Right Reasons. Just help yourself and them do what's right for whatever the reasons.

2. Be Confident. Don't Get Caught Up in Competition. Each of us has a reason for being. We need to have faith that we all have our own place in life -- and that no one can do it for us or take it from us.

1. Be a Goodfinder, a person who seeks out the good in himself or herself and others.

"What we in the judiciary most need is patience, meekness, compassion, and courage to 'Do Right and Fear Not.'"
Chief Justice Weaver
State of the Judiciary

"She is bringing a fresh, dedicated, incisive mind to the Michigan Supreme Court."
Judge Myron Wahls
Court of Appeals

"I know Betty Weaver. She threw me in jail....But I would vote for her, because she...straightened me out, and the sentence was just."
Former convicted juvenile offender

"Your judicial experience...was outstanding. Your leadership abilities...have been impressive. There is sound reasoning for my full confidence in you as a justice."
Mary S. Coleman
Chief Justice 1978-82

Judge Weaver has been recognized in many ways for her public service, including selection as one of five outstanding young women in Michigan by the Michigan Jaycees. It is a pleasure for myself to recognize Judge Weaver as a capable and devoted public servant.
G. Mennen Williams
Chief Justice 1982-86