Updates About Supreme Court Rulings

Justice Megan Cavanagh has been unanimously elected to serve as the next Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, following Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement’s planned departure by April 30th. Cavanagh, who has served on the court since 2018, emphasized her commitment to both judicial decision-making and the administrative responsibilities of the role. She highlighted ongoing efforts to improve court efficiency, including expanding e-filing systems and statewide case management.

Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement has announced she will step down from the bench by April 30, 2025. Appointed by former Governor Rick Snyder, Clement has been recognized for her commitment to judicial independence and fairness. During her tenure, she worked to improve access to justice and modernize Michigan’s court system. Her departure gives Governor Gretchen Whitmer the opportunity to appoint a replacement, furthering the current 5-2 Democratic-nominated majority on the court.

Following her resignation, Clement will take on a new role as president of the National Center for State Courts, a nonprofit dedicated to improving judicial systems. Her successor will serve the remainder of her term and will need to run for reelection in 2026.

The Michigan Supreme Court issued an order clarifying the implementation of the state’s minimum wage increase plan, confirming that the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and the Department of Treasury’s calculations were accurate. The court ruled that inflation adjustments should be calculated starting from January 1, 2019, through July 31, 2024, resulting in a gradual increase in the minimum wage to $12.48 in 2025 and up to $14.97 by 2028.

The court also addressed a missed phase-in percentage for tipped wages, clarifying that tipped workers’ wages would reach 100% of the regular minimum wage by 2030, correcting their initial projection of 2029. Justice Elizabeth Welch provided a concurring opinion, while Justices Brian Zahra and David Viviano dissented. Treasury must submit the finalized wage figures by November 1, 2024.