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Celeste Bell
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2018 - Present
2025
7
Celeste Bell is a judge of the Michigan 7th Circuit Court. Bell assumed office in 2018. Bell's term ended on January 1, 2025.
This office is outside of Ballotpedia's coverage scope and does not receive scheduled updates. Our scope includes all elected federal and state officeholders as well as comprehensive coverage of the 100 largest cities in America by population.
Bell was appointed to the 7th Circuit Court in Michigan by Gov. Rick Snyder (R) in 2018 to fill a vacancy.[1] Bell was elected to the seat in the general election on November 6, 2018, for a full term.
Biography
Celeste Bell earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan. She earned a J.D. from the Golden Gate University School of Law. Bell's career experience includes working as a staff attorney with the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, with the San Francisco City Attorney’s office, with the Genesee County Office of Corporation Counsel, and with the Genesee County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney's civil division. Bell has been affiliated with the Genesee County Bar Association.[2]
Selection method
- See also: Nonpartisan election of judges
The 221 judges of the Michigan Circuit Courts are selected in an identical manner, each serving six-year terms. They are chosen in nonpartisan elections and must face re-election if they wish to continue serving. Candidates are placed on the ballot via nonpartisan primaries or by nominating petitions.[3] Sitting judges who reach age 70 are allowed to serve out the remainder of their term.[4]
Selection of the chief judge
The chief judges of the circuit courts are appointed by the state supreme court to two-year terms.[3]
Qualifications
To be elected to either of these courts, a judge must:[3]
- be a qualified elector of his or her district;
- be licensed to practice law in the state;
- have at least five years of law practice experience; and
- be under the age of 70.
See also
2020 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Michigan Legislative Consultants, "Governor Makes Appointment to Circuit Court," February 9, 2018
- ↑ 7th Judicial Circuit Court, "Judge Celeste D. Bell," accessed October 28, 2020
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 American Judicature Society, "Methods of Judicial Selection: Michigan," archived October 2, 2014
- ↑ Michigan Daily, "Washtenaw County judge announces early retirement," May 1, 2014
Federal courts:
Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals • U.S. District Court: Eastern District of Michigan, Western District of Michigan • U.S. Bankruptcy Court: Eastern District of Michigan, Western District of Michigan
State courts:
Michigan Supreme Court • Michigan Court of Appeals • Michigan Circuit Court • Michigan Court of Claims • Michigan District Courts • Michigan Municipal Courts • Michigan Probate Courts
State resources:
Courts in Michigan • Michigan judicial elections • Judicial selection in Michigan
