CONSTITUTION OF MICHIGAN OF 1963
ARTICLE VI – JUDICIAL BRANCH
§ 2 Justices of the supreme court; number, term, nomination, election.
Sec. 2.
The supreme court shall consist of seven justices elected at non-partisan elections as provided by law. The term of office shall be eight years and not more than two terms of office shall expire at the same time. Nominations for justices of the supreme court shall be in the manner prescribed by law. Any incumbent justice whose term is to expire may become a candidate for re-election by filing an affidavit of candidacy, in the form and manner prescribed by law, not less than 180 days prior to the expiration of his term.
§ 23 Judicial vacancies, filling; appointee, term; successor; new offices.
Sec. 23.
A vacancy shall occur in the office of judge of any court of record or in the district court by death, removal, resignation or vacating of the office, and such vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the governor. The person appointed by the governor shall hold office until 12 noon of the first day of January next succeeding the first general election held after the vacancy occurs, at which election a successor shall be elected for the remainder of the unexpired term. Whenever a new office of judge in a court of record, or the district court, is created by law, it shall be filled by election as provided by law. The supreme court may authorize persons who have been elected and served as judges to perform judicial duties for limited periods or specific assignments.
§ 24 Incumbent judges, ballot designation.
Sec. 24.
There shall be printed upon the ballot under the name of each incumbent justice or judge who is a candidate for nomination or election to the same office the designation of that office.
§ 30 Judicial tenure commission; selection; terms; duties; power of supreme court.
Sec. 30.
(1) A judicial tenure commission is established consisting of nine persons selected for three-year terms as follows: Four members shall be judges elected by the judges of the courts in which they serve; one shall be a court of appeals judge, one a circuit judge, one a probate judge and one a judge of a court of limited jurisdiction. Three shall be members of the state bar who shall be elected by the members of the state bar of whom one shall be a judge and two shall not be judges. Two shall be appointed by the governor; the members appointed by the governor shall not be judges, retired judges or members of the state bar. Terms shall be staggered as provided by rule of the supreme court. Vacancies shall be filled by the appointing power.
(2) On recommendation of the judicial tenure commission, the supreme court may censure, suspend with or without salary, retire or remove a judge for conviction of a felony, physical or mental disability which prevents the performance of judicial duties, misconduct in office, persistent failure to perform his duties, habitual intemperance or conduct that is clearly prejudicial to the administration of justice. The supreme court shall make rules implementing this section and providing for confidentiality and privilege of proceedings.
MICHIGAN ELECTION LAW (EXCERPT)
Act 116 of 1954
168.391 Office of justice of supreme court; eligibility; violation of § 38.412a.
Sec. 391.
(1) A person shall not be eligible to the office of justice of the supreme court unless the person is a registered and qualified elector of this state by the filing deadline or the date the person files the affidavit of candidacy, is licensed to practice law in this state, and at the time of election or appointment is less than 70 years of age.
(2) A person who has been convicted of a violation of section 12a(1) of 1941 PA 370, MCL 38.412a, shall not be eligible for election or appointment to the office of justice of the supreme court for a period of 20 years after conviction.
168.404 Office of supreme court justice; vacancy; appointment; election.
Sec. 404.
(1) The governor shall appoint a successor to fill the vacancy in the office of justice of the supreme court. The person appointed by the governor shall be considered an incumbent for purposes of this act and shall hold office until 12 noon of January 1 following the next general election, at which a successor is elected and qualified.
(2) At the next general November election held at least 105 days after the vacancy occurs, a person nominated under section 392 shall be elected to fill that office. The person elected shall hold the office for the remainder of the unexpired term.
(3) A candidate receiving the highest number of votes for that office who has subscribed to the oath as provided in section 1 of article XI of the state constitution is considered to be elected and qualified even though a vacancy occurs before the time he or she has entered upon the duties of his or her office.