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Thomas Siver
Thomas Siver is a former candidate for the 20th Circuit Court in Michigan.[1] Siver was defeated in the primary election on August 2, 2016.
Biography
Siver was born in Washington, D.C. He graduated from Trine University (formerly Tri-State University), and received his J.D. from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Siver is an attorney.[2]
Campaign themes
2016
Siver participated in Ballotpedia's 2016 survey of local judicial candidates. The following sections display his responses to the survey questions. When asked what non-judicial legal experience qualifies him to be a judge, the candidate made the following statement:
| “ | I have practiced law along side my senior attorney for almost a decade. I am an attorney, husband, father, and official. I have developed extremely strong personal skills, while developing my skills and profession as an attorney.[2][3] | ” |
When asked why he was running for this particular court seat, the candidate made the following statement:
| “ | I am running for this particular court seat in order to help others in a different capacity other than just being a practicing attorney.[2][3] | ” |
When asked to identify one judge, past or present, who he admires, the candidate made the following statement:
| “ | Antonin Scalia[2][3] | ” |
When asked about his primary concern regarding today's judicial system in his state, the candidate made the following statement:
| “ | Continuing the positive, functional, and harmonious operation of our judicial process here in Ottawa County. Continuing to assist our Courts in being a progressive leader and example in our State.[2][3] | ” |
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] Karen Jongekrijg Miedema and Daniel R. Martin defeated Chris Wirth, Thomas Siver, and Robert Mol in the 20th Circuit primary election .[1]
| 20th Circuit, Primary Election, 2016 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
 Karen Jongekrijg Miedema |
31.95% | 10,808 |
| Daniel R. Martin |
23.46% | 7,934 |
| Chris Wirth | 17.79% | 6,017 |
| Thomas Siver | 13.78% | 4,661 |
| Robert Mol | 13.02% | 4,403 |
| Total Votes | 33,823 | |
| 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.
See also
External links
- Michigan Secretary of State, "2016 Michigan Unofficial Candidate Listing," April 19, 2016
- Official campaign website
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 2.4 Ballotpedia's local judicial candidate survey, 2016, "Thomas Siver's Responses," May 20, 2016
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 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
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