Chief justice supports age limit for judges

LANSING (AP) - Michigan's chief justice says he supports an age limit for judges but believes it probably could be raised to account for longevity and advances in medicine. A number of Michigan judges didn't seek another term in November because the state's Constitution says candidates can't run if they've turned 70. Chief Justice Robert Young Jr. says he's not in favor of eliminating an age restriction. Young, who is 63, says a key issue for any judge is keeping the mind sharp. Without an age limit, he says it would be very difficult to remove a judge whose skills are fading. Any change in the Michigan Constitution would require approval by voters. Young tells The Associated Press that persuading people to raise the limit to 75 isn't a high priority. Published: Mon, Jan 05, 2015