Michigan Supreme Court Judge Richard Bernstein, who was first elected to the High Court in 2014, is the state’s first blind justice. In addition to his work on the bench, Bernstein is a prominent advocate for improving laws overseas to better protect people with disabilities. Before he became justice, his practice focused on representing clients with disabilities. Among his many groundbreaking achievements as a lawyer, he represented the plaintiff in a lawsuit alleging that Detroit failed to maintain the wheelchair lift on the bus. 2005 settlement In that case, the city maintained these lifts, allowing faulty riders to access the system.
Bernstein is an avid runner, completing over 25 marathons and complete Ironman competitions. During this year’s court break, he will teach his classes at Peking University.
State Court Report He spoke to Bernstein about his role as a judge on the Supreme Court with disabilities, the importance of empathy, and advice he wanted to be given as a law student. This interview has been edited for clarity.
When you were young, what was your dream legal career?
I always wanted to be a lawyer. Being a judge is something I love, but I wasn’t going to be that. It developed as life progressed. The opportunity presented itself and I felt that it could bring about change in this role.
But I always wanted to work with disability rights. I wanted to do something to make an impact and make life better for people.
What are some particularly memorable cases from the beginning of your career before you became a judge?
The Detroit bus case was my first big case. The city was driving a bus with broken wheelchairs – about 60% of the fleet had broken a broken lift. The outcome of addressing system failures served as a national precedent for establishing a bus system that people can use regardless of the failure. It really helped people.
We’re talking about a big case, so what opinions stand out from your time at the Michigan Supreme Court?
I think it’s my favorite opinionor the most shocking or widespread thing was the Flint Water Case I wrote. (Editor’s note: case, Maze vs Snyderthe allegations involved knew that the government knew that drinking water in the city was contaminated.) The question is, will the government tort liability law apply to Flint Watercase victims? My opinion was basically yes. It gave people the right to sue the government. This case was very impactful and very well known at the time. And hopefully it makes people’s lives a little easier.
you I traveled widely to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. What about some of these locations and the types of work involved?
I worked with various governments to lead a better life for people with disabilities. I’m all over the world – India, China, and other parts of Asia, South America, Europe, and Africa. A speech at the United Nations many years ago made this possible.
The United Arab Emirates was an effort I really enjoyed. I was able to work on Abraham Accord It drafted obstacle elements between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, showing what is possible, what can be done, the benefits of these programs and services, and what will happen as a result.
In all these places, if people realize that this is something that they can do and that makes a difference for people, most people get it behind them. It inspires people to make changes that help people.
What are some changes you want to inspire?
I want to implement some The same things we have in the US, such as creating education and employment opportunities, allow people to have the potential otherwise, and show what they can achieve and achieve through the media.
What do you like about being a state court judicial?
I Like the people I meet, and that I can influence the whole state. As a Supreme Court judge, I can make a real difference for those who live here in Michigan. And that’s what I enjoy. It’s about doing things at the state level giving people the opportunity to really help them. Literally, every issue you can imagine comes to the state court.
When you were first in court, what were the challenges you faced?
Well, being blind was a bit of a challenge. I had to find a way to work within the system. But the people were very kind and the courts were great to work with. They wouldn’t have made it easy.
What are some of the things you had to understand?
You have to remember the meeting case. (Edited Note: A meeting is a meeting where the judicial officer discusses and deliberates on how to control pending cases.) I can’t look back at my notes so that my peers can do justice. When they read the history of the case, it causes the cases we are discussing in my mind. After they did it, I can remember the whole case.
To be blind, you need to truly understand and appreciate the material. You also become more empathetic and understandable. That’s a blessing.
Are there any services that the court must help people with disabilities?
Judges should be more sympathetic to those who come in front of people with disabilities and understand the challenges faced by people with disabilities when they go to court. Everything for disabled litigants requires more work and effort. Judges help to reduce that burden by becoming more sensitive. If people are more sensitive, it becomes much easier for everyone.
Do you think there are problems with access to the court itself or access to lawyers for people with disabilities?
Access to the civil justice system has always been a challenge and is even more challenging for people with disabilities. It is extremely difficult to acquire representative when you are struggling as a litigant. Citizens’ representatives are extremely important. It’s about finding more lawyers and legal service providers, and it’s a Case Pro Bono who is willing to.
what Do you want someone to say to you at law school?
enjoy what you do. Enjoy every experience every day and realize how fast it will go.
Erin Geiger Smith is a writer and editor of the Brennan Center for Justice.
Suggested Quote: Erin Geiger Smith (interview with Judge Richard Bernstein), Michigan Supreme Court Judge Richard Bernstein discusses the rights of people with disabilities, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , https://statecourtreport.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/michigan-supreme-court-justice-richard-bernstein-discusses- disability
