My Judicial Philosophy is very simple

Judges should interpret the laws according to what they say, not according to what the judges wish they would say. Judges are supposed to interpret the laws; they are not supposed to make them.

The separation of powers, enshrined in both our national and state Constitutions, protects the People’s right to self-governance by allowing the elected representatives of the People to make the laws. Judges, like everyone else, are bound by those laws and must faithfully interpret them rather than re-write them from the bench. Judges, after all, are the public’s servants, not the public’s masters.

At the same time, judges must ensure that the actions of government do not exceed their constitutional boundaries or interfere with the People’s constitutional rights. Judges must keep government in check by faithfully applying the texts of the Constitutions of the United States and of the State of Michigan.

I believe in equal justice under the law. Judges must treat every litigant equally and judge every case fairly and without bias. Only the law and the facts of the case should determine a judge’s ruling.

I believe in civility. Everyone who appears in our courtrooms –litigants, lawyers, and judges — deserves to have his or her arguments heard and to be treated with respect. People only come to court when they disagree. But we should not let disagreements make us disagreeable. Judges can and should set the tone by being courteous to each other and to those who appear before us.

It is an honor to put my name forward as a candidate for the 67th District Court.

If you have any questions about my approach to the role of Judge, please feel free click on the Contact Us page and I will get back to you.

Respectfully yours,

KC Baran