Former Chief 36th District Judge Kenneth King
Detroit's 36th District Court is facing tough times. It has got financial problems. And recently Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Michael Talbot was appointed to oversee the court.
Now, there are troubling rumors that the state is trying to shutter the court.
But Detroit News reporter Orlandar Brand-Williams reports Marcia McBrien, a spokeswoman for the Michigan Supreme Court, said, “Unfortunately, this rumor has created a lot of unnecessary anxiety. There are no plans to close the 36th District Court.
Brand-Williams writes:
Thomas Kienbaum, an attorney representing 36th District Court for the state, called reports that the court is targeted to be absorbed into Wayne County Circuit Court “scare tactics.”
“That’s just not in the cards,” Kienbaum said. “Judge Talbot doesn’t create courts or abolish them, and to my knowledge the Michigan Legislature doesn’t plan on (dismantling 36th District Court).”
Kenneth King, the former chief judge, told the News that he doesn't believe the state is trying to shut down the court, but it may have plans to shrink it.
“It appears there is some kind of move to remove the jails and the court from downtown,” King said. “Look at where we are. We are next door to Ford Field. They’re trying to get an entertainment district downtown. No one wants us there.” -- Allan Lengel
Judge Talbot in July starting allowing people to pay their traffic tickets at suburban courts.
