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 17, 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 appointed to the court in 1999. He was later elected by voters in 2000, 2002, and 2010. Justice Young retired from the court in April 2017. He is known for his belief in interpreting laws based on their original words. After leaving the court, he considered running for the U.S. Senate but decided not to.

Early Life and Education

Robert P. Young Jr. was born in Des Moines, Iowa. He grew up in Detroit, Michigan. He has shared stories about growing up in a city that had a lot of separation between different groups of people. His family was one of the first to move into a new neighborhood in northwest Detroit.

He went to public elementary schools in Detroit. He graduated from Detroit Country Day School in 1970. He then studied at Harvard College, finishing in 1974. He earned his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1977.

Professional Career

In 1978, Young started working at a law firm called Dickinson Wright. He became a partner there in 1982. In 1992, he joined AAA Michigan as their main lawyer.

In 1995, Governor John Engler appointed Young to be a judge on the Michigan Court of Appeals. Later, in 1999, Governor Engler appointed him to the Michigan Supreme Court. He took the place of Chief Justice Conrad Mallett, who was leaving.

At his official ceremony in 1999, many important people spoke about him. Judge Damon Keith gave him the oath of office. 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 him as a "brilliant scholar."

Young won elections for the Michigan Supreme Court in 2000, 2002, and 2010. During his time on the court, a newspaper called The Wall Street Journal praised the Michigan Supreme Court. They called it "what may be the finest court in the nation."

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

The Police Officer's Association of Michigan named him "Jurist of the Year" in 2000 and 2010. In 2010, another group called him a "Guardian of Justice." They said he was a "tireless protector of the U.S. Constitution."

Young was chosen to be the Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court on January 5, 2011.

In 2016, Robert Young was considered by presidential candidate Donald Trump as a possible choice for the U.S. Supreme Court. However, another judge, Neil Gorsuch, was chosen instead.

On March 29, 2017, Justice Young announced he would retire from the Michigan Supreme Court. He officially left the court on April 17, 2017, to return to working as a private lawyer.

In April 2017, Young thought about running for the U.S. Senate. He officially joined the race in June 2017 but decided to withdraw in January 2018.

Important Decisions on the Michigan Supreme Court

Robert P. Young Jr. wrote some important decisions during his time on the Michigan Supreme Court. These decisions helped shape the law in Michigan.

Property Rights and Eminent Domain

Young wrote the court's decision in a case called Wayne County v. Hathcock (2004). This case was about something called eminent domain. Eminent domain is the government's power to take private land for public use, even if the owner doesn't want to sell it.

In this case, the county wanted to take private land to build a business park. Young's decision said that the Michigan Constitution only allows eminent domain for truly "public use." He explained that land could be taken for a private company only in special situations. For example, if there was an extreme public need, or if the property would still be watched over by the public, or if the land was chosen for public reasons, not just for the private company's benefit.

This decision changed a previous ruling from 1981. Young believed the older ruling had gone too far by allowing land to be taken just for general economic benefits.

Voting Rights and Photo ID

Young also wrote an important opinion about whether voters should show photo identification before voting. This was in the case In Re Request for Advisory Opinion Regarding the Constitutionality of 2005 PA 71 (2007).

The court decided that requiring voters to show a photo ID was fair. They said it was a reasonable way to make sure elections were honest. Young explained that simply showing an ID is not a big problem for voters. He also noted that people without an ID could sign a paper or get a free ID card. He said that protecting against fake votes is important for fair elections.

Legal Standing and Environmental Cases

Young wrote another important decision in Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation v. Nestle Waters North America (2007). This case was about "standing." In law, "standing" means if a person or group has the right to bring a lawsuit to court.

Young's decision said that to sue, a person must show they have been truly harmed. This harm must be real and specific, not just a guess. For environmental cases, this means the person must show that the defendant's actions directly affected their interests, like their ability to enjoy nature or their finances. This rule helps make sure that only people who are truly affected by an issue can bring it to court.

Investigation and Court Ruling

A special prosecutor, William Forsyth, was looking into crimes committed by Larry Nassar. Forsyth accused Michigan State University (MSU) of holding back information. He claimed this happened under Young's guidance. However, a court later disagreed with Forsyth. On March 19, 2019, the court dismissed Forsyth's request. They found that MSU had given all the documents they were required to.

Personal Life

Robert P. Young Jr. has been married for over 40 years to his wife, Dr. Linda Hotchkiss. They have two adult children. When Young was first 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