Members

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• News/Events
  • Calendar
  • Recent News
  • Newsletters
• Order Publications
• Support a Special Project
• Work With Us
  • Internship Opportunities
  • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Research Grants

Researchers

• Court History
  • History Overview
  • History Timeline
  • Homes of the Court
  • Women and the Law
• Justices
  • Biographies
  • Chief Justices
  • Court Composition Chart
  • On and Off the Court
    (Appointment and Election Information)
  • Oral Histories
  • Portraits
• Events and Sessions
  • Special Sessions
  • Speeches Vignettes
• Glossary of Terms
• Links
• Order Publications

Educator

• Lesson Plans
  • High School
    • History, Role and Organization of the MSC
    • Verdict of History
  • Middle School
    • History, Role and Organization of the MSC
• Justice Biography Quiz
• MSC Learning Center
• Powerpoint Presentations
• Order Publications

Supreme Court Advocate? Click Here!

The Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society, a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, collects, preserves, and displays documents, records, and memorabilia relating to the Michigan Supreme Court and the other Courts of Michigan, promotes the study of the history of Michigan's courts, and seeks to increase public awareness of Michigan's legal heritage. The Society sponsors and conducts historical research, provides speakers and educational materials for students, and sponsors and provides publications, portraits and memorials, special events, and projects consistent with its mission.

There are currently about 300 members. To learn more about membership, including dues structure, click here.

The Society was established in 1988 by (then) Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Dorothy Comstock Riley, who sought to preserve Court artifacts, collect memorabilia, and inform and educate the students and citizens of Michigan about their State’s judicial history.

Historical Portrait and Photo Collections

The Society carries on the time-honored tradition of commissioning official portraits of retired Supreme Court Justices. This priceless collection of over 80 portraits is maintained by the Society and the art is displayed in various locations throughout the state. The Society also maintains a collection of restored and newly acquired photographs. Click here for portraits and biographies.

Publications

Through its Coleman Internship Program, the Society has produced several publications. The most significant Society publication to date is the Michigan Supreme Court Historical Reference Guide, a collection of photographs and biographies of Michigan's first 100 Justices. The Society has also produced a small booklet, targeted primarily toward junior high school and high school students, entitled A Brief History of the Michigan Supreme Court. In addition, the Society produces a quarterly newsletter, the Society Update. Click here for information about our publications.

Education

In 2001, the Society, with the help of two Michigan teachers, developed two-week lesson plans on the history, role and organization of the Michigan Supreme Court. The plans, available for both the junior high school and high school level, are available at no charge. Click here for more information about our lesson plans.