About Justice Weaver

Throughout Justice Elizabeth "Betty" Weaver's over 32 years of experience as a trial and appellate judge (Probate/Juvenile, Court of Appeals, Supreme Court), including 2 years as Chief Justice, she has maintained a proven record based on these major practices:
Exercising Judicial Restraint
Applying Common Sense

A fundamental tenet of her stand for jusitice is to hold wrong-doers accountable and responsible for their actions, while providing opportunities for them to discover and develop their own self-worth and to become law-abiding, productive citizens.

In exercising judicial restraint (interpreting, not making, the law -- judicial self-discipline), Justice Weaver has followed the law as constitutionally passed by the legislature and consistent with the rulings of the U.S. Supreme Court. She has used the responsibility of interpretation, not as a sword to superimpose her own personal views (or those of special interest groups) on the law, but as a shield to protect the constitutional rights of the people and the constitutional acts of the legislative and executive branches.

Click here to read Michigan Court of Appeals Judge, Donald S. Owens’s Remarks as Presenter at the Induction of Justice Weaver into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame on October 25, 2005.

Click here to read Justice Weaver’s Remarks upon her Induction into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame.

Press Release - 6/10/2005

Press Release - 1/13/2005

In November 2002, Justice Weaver won re-election for a second 8-year term on the Michigan Supreme Court.
This site provides information about her experience, credentials, principles, and major initiatives for the State of Michigan.

Check this site often for up-to-date press releases and other information about important work going on in the Supreme Court of Michigan.

Justice Elizabeth A. Weaver Comments on the Privilege of Having Served as Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court

Lansing, 1/4/01 -- Following is the text of a statement by former Chief Justice Elizabeth Weaver on the change of leadership for the Supreme Court.

The privilege of serving as Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court is indeed an honor. It is also, however, a major responsibility that in essence is an extra full-time job without pay.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have served in this important capacity for the state of Michigan, and to see my investment of time and effort result in many accomplishments during the past two years. A firm foundation has been established to continue significant trial court improvements such as these:

• The next generation of demonstration courts, which promote administrative practices that are just, fair, timely, cost effective, efficient, and without prejudice or bias;
• Therapeutic drug courts that are bringing both focus and intensity to the fight against drug abuse;
• The council of chief judges, which fosters education and communication among local court leaders; and
• The guardianship ombudsman who protects our vulnerable elderly and incapacitated.

Other significant works are in progress:

• Accelerated Hall of Justice construction schedule;
• Staff transition planning;
• Development of the human resource function;
• Implementation of compensation study recommendations;
• Enhancement of the Court's communication capacity and legislative linkages; and
• Improvement of relationships with agencies for which the Supreme Court has administrative oversight.

The completion of these projects and programs is necessary to continue improving judicial services for the people of Michigan.

Major initiatives, however, still lie ahead for the Court:

• Computerize and connect the courts;
• Upgrade the jury system;
• Advance trial court improvements, particularly in the family division;
• Develop the functionality of in-house supreme court services;
• And other judicial initiatives.

(Continued)

"What we in the judiciary most need is patience, meekness, compassion, and courage to 'Do Right and Fear Not.'"
Chief Justice Weaver
State of the Judiciary

"She is bringing a fresh, dedicated, incisive mind to the Michigan Supreme Court."
Judge Myron Wahls
Court of Appeals

"I know Betty Weaver. She threw me in jail....But I would vote for her, because she...straightened me out, and the sentence was just."
Former convicted juvenile offender

"Your judicial experience...was outstanding. Your leadership abilities...have been impressive. There is sound reasoning for my full confidence in you as a justice."
Mary S. Coleman
Chief Justice 1978-82

Judge Weaver has been recognized in many ways for her public service, including selection as one of five outstanding young women in Michigan by the Michigan Jaycees. It is a pleasure for myself to recognize Judge Weaver as a capable and devoted public servant.
G. Mennen Williams
Chief Justice 1982-86