Snyder Appoints Canton's Wilder To State Supreme Court

CANTON, MI — Canton resident Kurtis Wilder has been appointed to the Michigan Supreme Court. Gov. Rick Snyder made the announcement Tuesday at a Lansing news conference. Wilder had served on the state’s appeals court since 1998.

Wilder is a former chief judge of the Washtenaw County Circuit Court who previously practiced law with Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith in Lansing and with Butzel Long in Detroit. He was first appointed to the appeals court by former Michigan governor John Engler and then won election in 2000 and re-election in 2004, 2010 and 2016, the Detroit Free Press reported.

"I will continue to be dedicated to equal justice under the law for all citizens in Michigan," Wilder said at the news conference, according to the Free Press. He will become the fifth black justice in state history. "The court ought to say what the law is -- not what it ought to be."

Wilder replaces former Chief Justice Robert Young, Jr., who resigned in April. He is Snyder’s fourth appointment to the high court. A fifth may soon follow, as President Donald Trump has nominated Justice Joan Larsen to the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals.

For now, Snyder is happy to have Wilder appointed. "We have an outstanding individual," the governor said at the news conference. "It's exciting to have the opportunity to put him on the court.”

Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Stephen Markman echoed Snyder’s thoughts. "(Wilder) brings what has been a consistent commitment to the equal rule of law and unwavering support for the values of the constitutions of the United States and the State of Michigan,” Markman said in a news release.

Wilder has a bachelor's degree in political science and a law degree, both from the University of Michigan, the Free Press reported. He credited his parents for his success. "I know I would not be here today if I had not heeded all of their advice."

Photo courtesy of the Michigan Court of Appeals