Blackwell v. Bayles

Michigan Court of Appeals

Blackwell v. Bayles

366 N.W.2d 13, 141 Mich. App. 151

CourtMichigan Court of Appeals

DecidedSeptember 6, 1984

DocketDocket 74559

StatusPublished

Cited by3 cases

This text of 366 N.W.2d 13 (Blackwell v. Bayles) is published on Counsel Stack Legal Research, covering Michigan Court of Appeals primary law. Counsel Stack provides free access to over 12 million legal documents including statutes, case law, regulations, and constitutions.

Bluebook

Blackwell v. Bayles, 366 N.W.2d 13, 141 Mich. App. 151 (Mich. Ct. App. 1984).

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Per Curiam.

Plaintiff filed a complaint alleging that certain political activities conducted by defendant district judge violated the Code of Judicial Conduct. The circuit court granted a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction ordering defendant judge to cease participating in these political activities. Defendants now appeal by leave granted.

Defendants argue that the circuit court was without jurisdiction to order injunctive relief since the Supreme Court and the Judicial Tenure Commission have the sole jurisdiction to hear complaints of violations of the Code of Judicial Conduct. The Michigan Constitution grants the Supreme Court superintending control jurisdiction through art 6, §§ 4 and 30. Under § 4, the Supreme Court may enjoin a judge from exercising the powers of the office "for the purpose of protecting the purity of the judicial processes and maintaining public confidence in the administration of justice”. In the Matter of Probert, 411 Mich 210, 230; 308 NW2d 773 (1981). The court rules indicate that the Supreme Court and the Judicial Tenure Commission have the exclusive jurisdiction to consider this type of case. GCR 1963, 930, 932.

Defendants, however, argue that the circuit court has jurisdiction to hear complaints against a municipal judge and should do so in the interest of the administration of justice. City of Berkley v [153]*153Holmes, 34 Mich App 417; 191 NW2d 561 (1971). In that case, however, this Court noted:

"If the judge has abused his office, he is subject to superintending control, Const 1963, art 6, § 4, and GCR 1963, 930, or disciplinary action by the Judicial Tenure Commission, Const 1963, art 6, §30, and GCR 1963, 932.” 34 Mich App 427, fn 7.

In the instant case, plaintiff alleges only that defendant judge abused his office by violating the Code of Judicial Conduct. The circuit court was, therefore, without jurisdiction to consider this matter. The preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order are, therefore, dissolved.

Reversed.

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Per Curiam.

Plaintiff filed a complaint alleging that certain political activities conducted by defendant district judge violated the Code of Judicial Conduct. The circuit court granted a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction ordering defendant judge to cease participating in these political activities. Defendants now appeal by leave granted.

Defendants argue that the circuit court was without jurisdiction to order injunctive relief since the Supreme Court and the Judicial Tenure Commission have the sole jurisdiction to hear complaints of violations of the Code of Judicial Conduct. The Michigan Constitution grants the Supreme Court superintending control jurisdiction through art 6, §§ 4 and 30. Under § 4, the Supreme Court may enjoin a judge from exercising the powers of the office "for the purpose of protecting the purity of the judicial processes and maintaining public confidence in the administration of justice”. In the Matter of Probert, 411 Mich 210, 230; 308 NW2d 773 (1981). The court rules indicate that the Supreme Court and the Judicial Tenure Commission have the exclusive jurisdiction to consider this type of case. GCR 1963, 930, 932.

Defendants, however, argue that the circuit court has jurisdiction to hear complaints against a municipal judge and should do so in the interest of the administration of justice. City of Berkley v [153]*153Holmes, 34 Mich App 417; 191 NW2d 561 (1971). In that case, however, this Court noted:

"If the judge has abused his office, he is subject to superintending control, Const 1963, art 6, § 4, and GCR 1963, 930, or disciplinary action by the Judicial Tenure Commission, Const 1963, art 6, §30, and GCR 1963, 932.” 34 Mich App 427, fn 7.

In the instant case, plaintiff alleges only that defendant judge abused his office by violating the Code of Judicial Conduct. The circuit court was, therefore, without jurisdiction to consider this matter. The preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order are, therefore, dissolved.

Reversed.

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Bluebook (online)

366 N.W.2d 13, 141 Mich. App. 151, Counsel Stack Legal Research, https://law.counselstack.com/opinion/blackwell-v-bayles-michctapp-1984.

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