Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist, II paid a visit to the 36th District Court to meet with Chief Judge Nancy M. Blount and the team of court and community leaders who oversee and operate Community Court, including Judge Shannon A. Holmes, who presides over the specialty docket and LaNeice Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Southwest Detroit Community Justice Center.
The 36th District Community Court is a neighborhood-focused problem-solving court with a docket dedicated to offenses committed in Southwest Detroit. Through the Court’s collaboration and partnership with Southwest Detroit Community Justice Center, eligible individuals meeting the set criteria are offered an opportunity to pay minimal cost in exchange for performing neighborhood-based, visible community service projects. Those individuals are also provided with valuable resources to assist them in obtaining basic essential services such as education, employment, housing and mental health counseling when needed.
Lt. Governor Gilchrist also took the time to observe Community Court proceedings and witness first-hand the benefit of specialty courts, such as this, to the community. The approach is a proactive restorative justice structure focused on reducing crime and recidivism, increasing public trust and confidence in the judicial system and meeting the needs of the community.
Chief Judge Nancy M. Blount stated, “We are very proud of our specialty courts and grateful for our dedicated judges, court professionals, neighborhood affiliates and justice system partners who work tirelessly and in unison for the betterment of our community and those we serve.” She added, “We were so pleased and honored to share the good work of Judge Holmes and our Community Court with Lt. Governor Gilchrist.”
