Justice Bolden makes very controversial hire

[MWmetalhead]

Even Justice Bernstein is rebuking her, which is most interesting since I believe they may have campaigned together (I saw plenty "Bernstein and Bolden" yard signs, which probably were distributed by county or state Dem Party officials):

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/ ... 778219007/

A quote from Bernstein:
"I am completely disgusted by this."

Recall that Bolden finished third in the election but became a Justice when Whitmer appointed her after one of the incumbent justices unexpectedly retired.

[TC Talks]

I can tell you without a doubt I'm a completely different person at 48 then I was at 20. No I wasn't shooting at people, but if I had to present some of my shortcomings from 20 to get a job when I'm 48 I wouldn't get anywhere.

I can't say I'm entirely comfortable with Bernstein's answer of "he can work anywhere but here."

Prior to being hired by Bolden, Martel worked for the State Appellate Defender Office as a mitigation specialist assisting convicted felons with legal matters.

Michigan Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein, a fellow Democrat who campaigned with Bolden last fall, blasted her decision to hire Martel, insisting that certain crimes should prevent people from being employed with Michigan's highest court.

"I'm not saying (Martel) shouldn't be allowed to make a living, and I'm all about second chances. But there are certain jobs you should never be allowed to have after you shoot at a police officer, and one of them is clerking for the highest court in the state," Bernstein told The Detroit News.

Martel is a UofM graduate, McCormack likes him...

"He was one of the best students I ever had, and I wish I'd have hired him as a clerk," McCormack said of Martel. "He's been open about his past and his regrets about it, and how he's eager to be an example for others, to show them that you don't have to be defined by your past. I honestly can't think of anything in a justice system that we value more — we should support people who succeed at redemption."

[MWmetalhead]

Martel has resigned.

[craig11152]

Martel has resigned.

At least he is currently exhibiting common sense.

[TC Talks]

Martel has resigned.

At least he is currently exhibiting common sense.

He is not a big enough player to have this be a really big deal, but "Law and Order" types (MW) really need to realize that with as many minorities that have spent time in jail as this country has, we need to be more welcoming of those who has successfully moved on from their criminal past.

[MWmetalhead]

I don't recall editorializing on his qualifications or lack thereof. I created this thread to open discussion regarding the apparent rift between Bolden and Bernstein.

Bernstein's harsh rebuke was newsworthy.

I agree that many parolees should not automatically be disqualified from employment opportunities. Some occupations may not be suitable, though, depending on the criminal record.

[TC Talks]

I don't recall editorializing on his qualifications or lack thereof. I created this thread to open discussion regarding the apparent rift between Bolden and Bernstein.

Bernstein's harsh rebuke was newsworthy.

I agree that many parolees should not automatically be disqualified from employment opportunities. Some occupations may not be suitable, though, depending on the criminal record.

Other comments were focused on his past.

[MWmetalhead]

McCormack's opinion on this matter carries more weight for me than that of Bernstein, for what that's worth.

[Rate This]

I don't recall editorializing on his qualifications or lack thereof. I created this thread to open discussion regarding the apparent rift between Bolden and Bernstein.

Bernstein's harsh rebuke was newsworthy.

I agree that many parolees should not automatically be disqualified from employment opportunities. Some occupations may not be suitable, though, depending on the criminal record.

Is the message we want to send really "Well better luck in your next life because you made mistake A 28 years ago and by god come hell or high water you lose your chance to do x, y and z in this one!"? That seems a tad antithetical to paying your debts to society if you screw up and redeeming yourself and all the rest...

[paul8539]

I agree with MW. It is very unusual for one Justice to say anything about another sitting Justice, or their staff.

[MotorCityRadioFreak]

I side with Richard on this one. Good luck but not a good example to be on the court.

[MWmetalhead]

More on the Bolden - Bernstein saga:

https://www.freep.com/story/opinion/col ... ium=onsite