Below is a list of press releases, newsletters and announcements from the Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan. Bookmark this page and visit for future updates.
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For questions or to get in touch with our communications department, contact:
Public Information Officer
313-967-3683
media@3rdcc.org
History of Third Judicial Circuit
The history of the court includes Detroit Recorder’s Court, one of the oldest courts of record in the U.S. Detroit Recorder’s Court traces its origins to Detroit’s Mayor’s Court established in 1824 and was formally created as a separate court in 1857. It functioned as a court of limited jurisdiction for decades with exclusive authority over felony criminal cases arising within the City of Detroit, as well as traffic and ordinance violations, but it did not hear civil matters.
Pursuant to state law, Detroit Recorder’s Court was abolished and merged into the Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan effective October 1, 1997, with its judges becoming circuit court judges. Its final Chief before consolidation was the Hon. Vera Massey Jones. This merger integrated its criminal jurisdiction into Third Circuit Court, marking the end of a distinct institution that had handled many of Detroit’s most significant criminal cases for over a century.
Third Circuit Court to Mark America 250 Through Community Outreach and Civic Education
As the U.S. prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026, the Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan is joining courts across the state in recognizing the milestone through community outreach and civic education efforts.
The national observance, known as America 250, marks the nation’s semiquincentennial and encourages courts to highlight the role of the judicial branch in American democracy. The initiative provides an opportunity to help the public better understand how the courts function, why the rule of law matters in everyday life, and the importance of an independent judiciary.
In a message to courts across the state, Megan K. Cavanagh, Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, encouraged Michigan courts to participate in the celebration through public engagement and educational activities that strengthen public trust and confidence in the judiciary.
Third Circuit Court Chief Judge Edward Ewell Jr. said the attention to America 250 offers an opportunity to reflect on the judiciary’s role in serving the public. “One of the best ways our court can celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary is by continuing to provide accessible and equal access to justice,” Ewell said. “Every day we work to ensure that Wayne County residents, business owners, and community stakeholders have confidence that the courts are fair, open, and responsive to their needs.”
The Third Circuit Court will highlight its role in the community through several public-facing events during the year. Among them is the court’s annual Law Day program on April 29, which will bring students from Wayne County to the courthouse to learn about the judicial system and the importance of the rule of law.
Later in the year, the court will also host its annual Adoption Day and Reunification Day celebrations. The events highlight the role of the judicial system in bringing families together. They also provide meaningful opportunities for the public to engage with the judicial system while reinforcing the principles of fairness, accountability, and equal justice that have guided the nation since the founding era.
Since September 2025 the members of the Third Circuit Court’s Bench have provided presentations about the court and jury services to city council and township board meetings across Wayne County. That will continue throughout 2026 as we attempt to visit all 43 communities.
As the country approaches this historic anniversary, the Third Circuit Court’s participation in America 250 reflects its continued commitment to transparency, accessibility, and civic understanding. This is an example of why Wayne County residents can have confidence that they will have equal access to justice and that Third Circuit Court adheres to the rule of law.
For more information, visit our website www.3rdcc.org.