Michigan Supreme Court justice to miss case for mental health treatment
Justice Richard Bernstein, who is also blind, has served on MI's high court since 2015
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A Michigan Supreme Court justice announced Tuesday that he is getting mental-health treatment outside the state and will not hear a case next week.
"I encourage everyone who struggles to seek the help they need," Richard Bernstein said in a statement released by the court.
Bernstein, who is blind, has been a justice since 2015 and was reelected last November to another eight-year term.
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He caused controversy in January when he publicly criticized Justice Kyra Harris Bolden for hiring a law clerk who had turned his life around after serving 14 years in prison for robbing a store and shooting at police officers.
Bernstein, 48, said he was "disgusted" by the hiring. But after a backlash, Bernstein apologized and said he regretted his remarks. Bolden's clerk, Pete Martel, resigned.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Michigan Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein will travel out-of-state for mental health treatment, leaving him unable to hear a case next week. (AP Photo/Al Goldis, File)
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a case in Cheboygan on April 26.
"I appreciate the opportunity to temporarily step out of the courtroom to focus on my mental health," Bernstein said. "During this time, I will continue working remotely on all active cases."
Bernstein did not immediately respond to a message from The Associated Press seeking additional comment.
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"We look forward to him rejoining the court in person in the coming weeks," Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement said.
Bernstein comes from a well-known family in Michigan's legal community, name recognition that helped get him elected in 2014. The Sam Bernstein law firm is a major TV advertiser in the Detroit area.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}In 2021, Bernstein took the unusual step of spending months in United Arab Emirates and Israel. He said his goal was to inspire people while talking about his life as a blind lawyer and judge.
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The Supreme Court at the time was hearing cases by video conference because of COVID-19. Bernstein participated from overseas and said he was able to keep up with other court work, too.