Governor Rick Snyder has named his legal advisor to the Michigan Supreme Court. The state’s newest Supreme Court justice says she may have to sit out some cases.
As the governor’s legal counsel, Beth Clement has played a role in some decisions that are now being litigated. That would include cases related to the Flint water crisis.
“I’m aware of those potentials and prepared to look at each one individually.”
It is up to each Supreme Court justice to decide whether a conflict exists that requires them to step away from a case.
Clement replaces former Justice Joan Larsen, who was named to a federal appeals court by President Trump. State Supreme Court justices are elected in Michigan, and Clement will have to run for the position next year.