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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Public Information Officer
313-967-3683
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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 of Michigan to Dedicate Jury Assembly Room in Honor of Judge Mary Beth Kelly
Detroit, MI — The Third Circuit Court of Michigan has renamed its Jury Assembly Room on the 3rd floor at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center in honor of Judge Mary Beth Kelly—an accomplished jurist, former Michigan Supreme Court Justice, and the first woman to serve as Chief Judge of the state’s largest circuit court. The room is now known as the Chief Judge Mary Beth Kelly Jury Assembly Room. A dedication event was held in Judge Kelly’s honor on March 13 and included remarks from Michigan Supreme Court Justice Brian K. Zahra, Third Circuit Court Chief Judge Edward Ewell, Third Circuit Court Chief Judge Pro Tem and other members of the legal community. |  |
“Judge Kelly is someone I have known and respected for many years,” said Chief Judge Ewell. “Her depth of judicial knowledge, thoughtful approach to the law, and steady leadership have had a lasting impact on this Court and the broader legal community. It is fitting that we recognize her contributions in a permanent and meaningful way.”
Judge Mary Beth Kelly’s career reflects decades of service marked by leadership, legal excellence, and a deep commitment to justice. She currently serves on the Third Circuit Court bench and previously made history as the Court’s first female Chief Judge, an achievement that represents a significant milestone in the evolution of judicial leadership in Wayne County. Her tenure as Chief Judge was defined by a focus on court operations, access to justice, and strengthening the institution’s role in serving the public.
Prior to joining the Third Circuit Court, Judge Kelly served as a Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, where she participated in decisions shaping state jurisprudence on a wide range of civil and criminal matters. Her legal career also includes substantial experience in private practice, where she developed a reputation for rigorous legal analysis, professionalism, and ethical advocacy.
“The judiciary is built on the collective efforts of those who serve with integrity and dedication,” said Judge Mary Beth Kelly. “I am deeply honored by this recognition and grateful to have had the opportunity to serve alongside so many outstanding colleagues committed to upholding the rule of law.”
The renaming of the Chief Judge Mary Beth Kelly Jury Assembly Room in her honor reflects not only her individual accomplishments, but also the broader significance of her leadership as a trailblazer for women in the judiciary. As the first woman to lead the Third Circuit Court, Judge Kelly helped pave the way for greater representation and inclusion within Michigan’s legal system.
This
dedication serves as a lasting tribute to her impact on the Court, the legal
community, and the citizens of Wayne County who rely on the judiciary for
fairness and justice.
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