Gov. signs bill reducing judgeships in Michigan

LANSING (AP) -- Michigan lawmakers and Gov. Rick Snyder have started the process of eliminating an estimated 45 judgeships on probate, district and circuit courts statewide through attrition. Snyder's office says a bill signed last week by the governor will eliminate eight judge positions across the state. Wayne County's circuit court will lose a judge. Several other areas in Michigan will have consolidations affecting the number of judges during the next few years. Lawmakers say their intent is to eliminate roughly 45 judgeships, largely following recommendations made earlier this year by the State Court Administrative Office. Final action needed to send the rest of the multi-bill package to Snyder is expected early next year. Lawmakers still haven't decided whether to change the number of judges on the Michigan Court of Appeals. Published: Mon, Dec 26, 2011