Other websites you may be interested in for additional information about Michigan history and/or the state’s legal system.
Archives of Michigan
The Archives of Michigan is responsible for preserving the records of Michigan government and other public institutions. The collections also include documents, maps, photographs, and film from private individuals and organizations as well as the papers of former Michigan Supreme Court Justices Maura Corrigan, Stephen Markman, and Robert Young.
Bentley Historical Library
The Bentley has become one of the largest and most successful University-based archives in America. Their collections include all historical records of the University of Michigan, as well as the largest collection of materials involving the history of people and organizations in the state (outside of the state-run Archives of Michigan in Lansing, which is the official archive for state government). The link above connects directly to the Michigan judges page and includes several former Michigan Supreme Court Justices including: Clark Adams, Paul Adams, Charles Blair, Emerson Boyles, James Campbell, Isaac Christiancy, Mary Coleman, Thomas Cooley, John Dethmers, Samuel Douglass, George Durand, Louis Fead, Alpheus Felch, Benjamin Graves, Lawrence Lindemer, Isaac Marston, George Morrell, Allen Morse, Otis Smith, Talbot Smith, Theodore Souris, Raymond Starr, John Swainson, Howard Wiest, G. Mennen Williams, and Warner Wing, as well as US Supreme Court Justice Frank Murphy.
Constitution Day
Resources from the State Bar of Michigan for Constitution Day, held annually on or around September 17.
Historical Society of Michigan
Established in 1828, the Historical Society of Michigan (HSM) is our state’s oldest cultural organization and helps connect Michigan’s past to its residents and organizations through programs and events, publications, awards, workshops, networking opportunities, and support for local history organizations.
James J. Blanchard Living Library of Michigan Political History
A project of the Michigan Political History Society, the Living Library records the stories, experiences, and observations of major political figures in Michigan and makes these interviews available online. The collection includes interviews with former Michigan Supreme Court Justices Dennis Archer, Robert Griffin, Lawrence Lindemer, and Conrad Mallett Jr., as well as many other judges and attorneys important to Michigan legal history.
Law Day
This resource is from the American Bar Association’s Division for Public Education and contains links to resources for Law Day, held annually on May 1 to celebrate the role of law in our society and cultivate a deeper understanding of the legal profession.
Michigan Legal Milestones
A program of the State Bar of Michigan, Michigan Legal Milestones recognize significant legal cases and personalities in Michigan’s history, using bronze plaques placed at featured sites to relate its historical significance. A new milestone is dedicated each year. Plaques are on display across the state.
Michigan Supreme Court
The online home of the Michigan Supreme Court. This link takes you to the biographies of the current justices, the clerk’s office, schedule of oral arguments, and recent court opinions.
Michigan Supreme Court Learning Center
A museum-style gallery on the first floor of the Michigan Hall of Justice in Lansing, the Learning Center offers tours, both in-person and virtual, as well as educational resources about the judicial branch.
The Michigan Women’s Historical Center and Hall of Fame
Now known as the HERStory Gallery, this link includes a timeline of Women’s Hall of Fame honorees including former Justices Marilyn Kelly (2011), Elizabeth Weaver (2005), Dorothy Comstock Riley (1991), Patricia Boyle (1986), and Mary S. Coleman (1983), as well as other important firsts for women in the law in Michigan.
Michiganology
Formerly known as Seeking Michigan, this resource is a partnership between the Library of Michigan and the Archives of Michigan at the Michigan Historical Center. The link points to more than 10 million records including local government records and naturalization records along with educational materials and Michigan stories.
US Supreme Court Historical Society
The official website of the United States Supreme Court Historical Society.