Robert P. Young Jr. facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Robert P. Young Jr.
68th Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court
In office January 5, 2011 – January 6, 2017
Preceded by	Marilyn Kelly
Succeeded by	Stephen Markman
Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court
In office December 30, 1998 – April 30, 2017
Appointed by	John Engler
Preceded by	Conrad Mallett
Succeeded by	Kurtis T. Wilder
Judge of the Michigan Court of Appeals
In office 1995 – December 30, 1998
Appointed by	John Engler
Personal details
Born	(1951-06-13) June 13, 1951 (age 74) Des Moines, Iowa, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Education	Harvard University (BA, JD)

Robert P. Young Jr. (born June 13, 1951) is a former judge who served on the Michigan Supreme Court. He was first chosen for the court in 1999. He was then elected by voters in 2000, 2002, and again in 2010. Justice Young announced his retirement from the court in April 2017. He is known for being a "judicial traditionalist," meaning he believed in interpreting laws exactly as they were written. In 2017, Young thought about running for the U.S. Senate but later decided not to.

Early Life and Education

Young was born in Des Moines, Iowa. He grew up in Detroit, Michigan. He has shared stories about growing up in a city where people were often kept apart based on their race. His family was one of the first to help bring different groups together in northwest Detroit. He went to public elementary schools in Detroit. In 1970, he graduated from Detroit Country Day School. He then studied at Harvard College, finishing in 1974. He earned his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1977.

Professional Career

In 1978, Robert Young started working at a law firm called Dickinson Wright. He became a partner there in 1982. Later, in 1992, he joined AAA Michigan as their main lawyer. In 1995, he became a judge on the Michigan Court of Appeals. Then, in 1999, Governor John Engler appointed him to the Michigan Supreme Court. He took the place of Chief Justice Conrad Mallett, who was retiring.

At his official ceremony in 1999, Judge Damon Keith gave Young his oath of office. Many important people spoke highly of him. Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer said Young had "excellent skill" and a "great work ethic." Attorney General Jennifer Granholm called him "an unbelievably fair person." Governor John Engler described Young as a "brilliant scholar."

Young won elections for the Michigan Supreme Court in 2000, 2002, and 2010. During his time on the court, an article in The Wall Street Journal praised him. The article called the Michigan Supreme Court "what may be the finest court in the nation." It said the court was helping to balance the power between judges, lawmakers, and the people.

Young also teaches law as a professor at Michigan State University College of Law. He is very involved in the Detroit community. He is the chairman of the board for Vista Maria, a charity that helps young women in need. He has also served on other important boards, like the one for Central Michigan University.

He was named "Jurist of the Year" by the Police Officer's Association of Michigan in 2000 and 2010. In 2010, he also received the "Guardian of Justice" award. This group said Young was a "tireless protector of the U.S. Constitution."

On January 5, 2011, Robert Young was chosen to be the Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court. In 2016, he was considered as a possible choice for the U.S. Supreme Court by Donald Trump. However, another judge, Neil Gorsuch, was chosen instead.

On March 29, 2017, Justice Young announced he would leave the Michigan Supreme Court. He officially retired on April 17, 2017, to return to working as a private lawyer. In April 2017, he thought about running for the U.S. Senate against Debbie Stabenow. He officially joined the race in June 2017 but withdrew in January 2018.

Important Michigan Supreme Court Decisions

Property Rights

Young wrote the court's decision in a case called Wayne County v. Hathcock (2004). This case was about whether the government could take private land and give it to another private business. This power is called eminent domain. Young's decision said that the Michigan Constitution only allows eminent domain for "public use." He explained that land could only be taken for private use in very specific situations. For example, if there was an extreme public need, or if the property would still be watched over by the public after it was transferred.

This decision changed a previous ruling from 1981. Young believed the older ruling had gone too far. He said it allowed private land to be taken just for general economic benefit, which he disagreed with.

Voting Rights

Young also wrote an important opinion about whether voters should show photo identification. This was for the case In Re Request for Advisory Opinion Regarding the Constitutionality of 2005 PA 71 (2007). The court decided that requiring voters to show photo ID was fair. It helped make sure elections were honest. The court said this rule was not like a "poll tax" (a fee to vote). It also said it was not too hard for voters. Young explained that showing ID is a reasonable step. If someone didn't have ID, they could sign a paper or get a free ID card. He also said that protecting elections from fake votes is very important.

Other Legal Principles

Young wrote the court's decision in Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation v. Nestle Waters North America (2007). This case was about who has the right to bring a lawsuit, which is called standing (law). Young's opinion explained that courts can only hear cases where the person suing has actually been harmed. This harm must be real and specific, not just a guess. For example, if someone claims environmental damage, they must show how it directly affected their recreation, beauty interests, or money. This rule helps keep the powers of the government's different branches separate.

Investigation and Court Decision

A special prosecutor was looking into certain issues at Michigan State University (MSU). This prosecutor said that MSU was not giving him all the information he needed. He claimed this was happening under Young's guidance. However, the court looked into this claim. On March 19, 2019, the court decided that MSU had given all the documents they were required to. This decision supported Young's position.

Personal Life

Robert Young has been married for over 40 years to his wife, Dr. Linda Hotchkiss. They have two grown children. When Young was appointed to the Michigan Supreme Court, they lived in Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan. Now, Young and his wife live near Lansing, Michigan. Dr. Hotchkiss is a psychiatrist.

See also

• Donald Trump Supreme Court candidates
• Black conservatism in the United States