By Ed White
Associated Press
A Michigan Supreme Court justice announced recently he is getting mental-health treatment outside the state and will not hear a case next week.
“The trust and confidence that the people of the state of Michigan place in me to serve in this role means so much to me,” Richard Bernstein said in a statement released by the court on Tuesday. “At the same time, I appreciate the opportunity to temporarily step out of the courtroom to focus on my mental health. During this time I will continue working remotely on all active cases.
“I encourage everyone who struggles to seek the help they need.”
Bernstein, who is blind, has been a justice since 2015 and was re-elected last November to another eight-year term.
He caused controversy in January when he publicly criticized Justice Kyra Harris Bolden for hiring a law clerk who had turned his life around after serving 14 years in rison for robbing a store and shooting at police officers.
Bernstein, 48, said he was “disgusted” by the hiring. But after a backlash, Bernstein apologized and said he regretted his remarks. Bolden’s clerk, Pete Martel, resigned.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a case in Cheboygan on April 26.
In addition to hearing oral arguments at the Michigan Hall of Justice in Lansing, justices travel to communities across the state as part of the “Court Community Connections” program.
“The court asks the people of Michigan to join them in supporting Justice Bernstein and respecting his privacy, as he prioritizes his well-being,” said Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement.
Bernstein did not immediately respond to a message from The Associated Press seeking additional comment.
Bernstein comes from a well-known family in Michigan’s legal community, name recognition that helps get him elected in 2014. the Sam Bernstein law firm is a major TV advertiser in the Detroit area.
In 2021, Bernstein took the unusual step of spending months in United Arab Emirates and Israel. He said his goal was to inspire people while talking about his life as a blind lawyer and judge.
The Supreme Court at the time was hearing cases by video conference because of COVID-19. Bernstein participated from overseas and said he was able to keep up with the other court work, too.
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