About Justice Weaver

Throughout Justice Elizabeth "Betty" Weaver's over 32 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.

Click here to read Michigan Court of Appeals Judge, Donald S. Owens’s Remarks as Presenter at the Induction of Justice Weaver into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame on October 25, 2005.

Click here to read Justice Weaver’s Remarks upon her Induction into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame.

Press Release - 6/10/2005

Press Release - 1/13/2005

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.

Chief Justice Weaver's State of the Judiciary Message 9/28/00
Continued

These first demonstration courts have proved that when it comes to court improvement in 83 counties, ranging in size from approximately 1,000 people to 2 million, "one size does not fit all." With that understanding, last month, thanks to your $2.3 million appropriation, the Supreme Court launched the "Next Generation Project." Soon, as many as twelve additional jurisdictions will continue the experimental search for improvements of lasting value to our court system. And they'll do it their way to best suit their local needs.

What are some of the features you can expect to see?

‰ Consolidation of court functions to eliminate costly bureaucratic duplication.
‰ Better computer technology.
‰ More efficient use of judge and staff time.
‰ Improved collection of fines and costs.
‰ More predictable and efficient case scheduling.
‰ On-line transactions and information.
‰ "One-stop shopping" for the public.

The Next Generation courts will reach at least a third of the state's population. They will help us determine what changes should be adopted in all our trial courts, what should be optional, and what improvements should be subject to local customizing.

Today, I have the pleasure of announcing the first three Next Generation courts in Oakland, Muskegon, and Cheboygan counties. Their judges will help Michigan better define "what fits" for court improvement. We anticipate many valuable insights. I especially thank the chief judges of these first three counties for their forward-looking leadership.

Change is hard. But the vast majority of our judges are eager to embrace it in order to improve public service. Improvements in the way courts operate don't always require organizational change. Michigan's 12 therapeutic drug courts are bringing a new focus and intensity to the fight against drug abuse, and bringing new hope. Drug courts are special dockets that combine tough enforcement techniques with individualized services to help non-violent offenders break the cycle of substance abuse and crime.

Listen to this statement from a drug court "graduate:"

"The recovery program has been a miracle in my life and has helped me regain so many things I was losing. I do wish it were more readily available to many others."

I am pleased to say that there are more drug courts on the way, thanks to your appropriation and federal funding. I commend those who have the courage and strength to defeat the grip of addiction. We have two graduates with us today: Elizabeth Campbell and John Wagner. I thank you, the Legislature and the Governor, who have supported their efforts, and judges and staff who are proving that dedication, resolve, and compassion with firmness can transform lives.

(continued)

"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