The 52nd District Court 2nd Division of Clarkston announced last week Judge Kelley Kostin has accepted an appointment from Justice Megan Cavanagh of the Michigan Supreme Court as the Michigan State court liaison to the Michigan Tribal State Federal Judicial Forum.
The Forum was created in 2014 to provide an ongoing venue for judges from all three jurisdictions (tribal, state, and federal court systems) to convene jointly in order to improve relations and communication.
The work of the Forum is important to all Michigan citizens because it affects how the court systems best serve Michigan residents.
It also addresses ongoing issues regarding jurisdiction among the three courts and how they can function cooperatively, enforcement of orders between them, and the transferring of cases to best serve the parties.
Kostin was elected to the 52nd District Court 2nd Division in November 2004 and took office in January 2005. She presides over two very successful treatment courts: the 52-2 District Court Sobriety Court program and the North Oakland Regional Veterans Treatment Court.
She is also working with the other 52nd District Court Judges to implement a regional Mental Health Treatment Court.
Kostin hopes that her knowledge gained from her work in therapy courts will be a benefit to the Forum.
“I would like to contribute to the Forum by bringing the expertise I have gained from my countless hours in therapy court – helping individuals learn the proper tools that enable them to develop the ability to achieve wellness, education, and to escape the criminal justice system,” said Kostin.
Kostin is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and the Oakland County Bar Association, a fellow of the Oakland County Bar Foundation, and currently serves as the vice president of the Oakland County District Judges Association. She also serves on the Oakland County Community Corrections Advisory Board.
Kostin is also a contributing author to the Institute of Continuing Legal Education publication “Michigan Drunk Driving Law and Practice,” fifth edition.