With this order, the Supreme Court assumes the responsibility for appointing chief judges of the Court of Appeals and Michigan trial courts that have more than one judge. This step is taken to facilitate the Court's exercise of its constitutional responsibility to administer and superintend the courts of this state. While the chief judges who have served Michigan courts have done so with resolve and effectiveness, a coordinated selection process will enhance the Supreme Court's ability to implement sound policies statewide, and assure a greater degree of responsiveness to the leadership that the constitution requires this Court to exercise. This order also requires chief judges to meet regularly with chief judges whose courts are wholly or partially within the same county. The intent of such meetings is to facilitate administrative and procedural coordination between courts that will result in better and more cost-effective service to the public.
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The Supreme Court shall select a judge of the Court of Appeals to serve as chief judge. No later than October 1 of each odd-numbered year, the Court of Appeals may submit the names of no fewer than two judges whom the judges of that court recommend for selection as chief judge. The chief judge shall select a chief judge pro tempore, who shall fulfill such functions as the chief judge assigns. The Supreme Court shall select a judge of each trial court with two or more judges to serve as chief judge. No later than October 1 of each odd- numbered year, each trial court with two or more judges may submit the names of no fewer than two judges whom the judges of that court recommend for selection as chief judge.