Jane Beckering

From Judgepedia

Jump to: navigation, search

Contents

Judge Jane M. Beckering was appointed to the Michigan Third District Court of Appeals in 2007 by Governor Jennifer Granholm and was elected in 2008. Her current term expires on January 1, 2013.

Biography

Beckering received her undergraduate degree (with distinction) from the University of Michigan and her law degree (cum laude) from the University of Wisconsin.

Legal career

Before taking the bench, Judge Beckering was an attorney in private practice for 17 years. She began her career at McDermott, Will & Emery, P.C. in Chicago, Illinois, whereafter she returned to her hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan and later founded the law firm of Buchanan & Beckering, PLC.

Awards and associations

She currently serves as Chairperson of the Hillman Trial Advocacy Program, which instructs and mentors young lawyers.

Political affiliation and campaign contributions

Democrat. Judge Beckering has contributed to Barack Obama and John Edwards, as well as others.[1]

LWV Questionnaire: Supreme Court campaign 2006

  • Do you support public financing of judicial campaigns? Explain.
    • I believe that public financing of judicial campaigns is well worth exploring. Candidates should be selected based upon their legal acumen and ethical integrity, not their financial or political backing. Our system is reliant upon fair and impartial jurists, and removing the financial pressures and potential influences may serve not only to eliminate the appearance of impropriety, but also foster top tier applicants who might otherwise not pursue the bench.
  • Do you believe the composition of juries in district and circuit courts adequately and fairly reflects society at large? Explain.
    • While the jury system largely represents society at large, there is definitely room for careful evaluation and improvement in ensuring that the demographics of the jury pool represent the demographics of the community. Our current majority of the Michigan Supreme Court, however, has banned its unconstitutional affirmative action efforts seeking to accomplish a jury pool reflective of the community.
  • What can be done to provide individuals with wider and better access to legal help and the legal system?
    • Non-profit organizations such as the Legal Assistance Center in Kent County, Michigan are an excellent start at providing individuals with better access to legal help and guidance. Legal aid organizations also support those who otherwise could not afford access to the judicial system. The Michigan Bar Association should continue to encourage lawyers to volunteer their time to pro bono work and/or contribute financially to legal aid organizations as part of their public duty.[2]

See also

External links

References

  1. ↑ Campaign Money
  2. ↑ League of Women Voters: Supreme Court Campaign 2006

Navigation

v • d • e
Judges of the Michigan Court of Appeals
Retrieved from "http://judgepedia.org/index.php/Jane_Beckering"