Colin Hunter
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Colin Hunter is a judge for the 46th Circuit Court in Michigan.[1] Hunter won the general election on November 8, 2016.
Biography
Hunter received a bachelor's degree in English, with a minor in criminal justice, from Northern Michigan University in 2004 and a J.D. from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2007. His professional experience includes working as an attorney with Carey & Jaskowski, PLLC and serving as a judicial law clerk at the 46th Circuit Court. Hunter became president of the 46th Circuit Bar Association in 2010.[2]
Hunter has been involved with the following organizations:
- Board member, River House, Inc., a domestic and sexual violence shelter
- Board member, Crawford County Economic Development Partnership
- Volunteer coach, Crawford AuSable Soccer Association
- Member, Michigan Canoe Racing Association[2]
Issues
2016
The following is Hunter's response to the question "What is your political philosophy?"
| “ | I am a firm believer that a courtroom is a place not where laws are made, but where a judge applies legal rules and precedent with fairness, consistency, and common sense.
After law school, I worked as a judicial law clerk for the 46th Circuit Trial Court for 2 years. That experience, along with growing up in a household where my father was a judge for 18 years, taught me the cornerstone value of trust—and the importance of transparency—in whatever a judge does. I’ve applied these lessons to my private practice where I’ve represented people in a wide variety of civil and criminal cases, both retained and court-appointed. My clients will tell you that I fight hard but fair for each of them, on every case. As an experienced trial attorney, I understand what should go on in a courtroom: that each person should have their say, be able to tell their side of the story, in open court, and be treated with fairness and respect. Most importantly, I vow that as your Circuit Court Judge, when I rule on your case, it will not matter who you are, how much money you make or don’t make, or what your last name is. Every litigant and attorney will be treated with deliberation, fairness, and common sense. This is my pledge to you: As your Circuit Court Judge you can trust me to be fair, honest, and above-board in all that I do as I work diligently to be the judge you deserve.[3] |
” |
| —Colin Hunter[2] | ||
Elections
2016
Michigan held general elections for local judicial offices on November 8, 2016. A primary election occurred on August 2, 2016. The candidate filing deadline for incumbents was March 21, and the deadline for non-incumbents was April 19.[4] Colin Hunter defeated Kevin Hesselink in the 46th Circuit general election .[1]
| 46th Circuit, General Election, 2016 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
 Colin Hunter |
57.31% | 12,296 |
| Kevin Hesselink | 42.69% | 9,161 |
| Total Votes | 21,457 | |
| Source: Michigan Department of State, "2016 General Election Official Results," November 28, 2016 | ||
| 46th Circuit, Primary Election, 2016 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
| Kevin Hesselink |
28.16% | 2,674 |
| Colin Hunter |
26.24% | 2,492 |
| Michael T. Edwards | 23.60% | 2,241 |
| Jason Thompson | 22.01% | 2,090 |
| Total Votes | 9,497 | |
| Source: Michigan Department of State, "Official Primary Results," August 23, 2016 | ||
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.[5] Sitting judges who reach age 70 are allowed to serve out the remainder of their term.[6]
Selection of the chief judge
The chief judges of the circuit courts are appointed by the state supreme court to two-year terms.[5]
Qualifications
To be elected to either of these courts, a judge must:[5]
- 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.
Personal
Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Hunter and his wife, Kimberly, have two children. He has finished 18 AuSable River International Canoe Marathons.[2]
See also
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Michigan Secretary of State, "2016 Michigan Unofficial Candidate Listing," April 19, 2016
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Biographical submission on August 4, 2016
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Michigan Secretary of State, "2016 Michigan Election Dates," accessed December 7, 2015
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 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
