A Michigan Supreme Court justice has apologized to a fellow justice for criticizing her hiring of an ex-convict to serve as a law clerk. Justice Richard Bernstein issued a statement Monday saying he apologized to Justice Kyra Harris Bolden in person at the Hall of Justice and that she accepted his apology. Bolden had hired Pete Martel, who served 14 years in prison after robbing a Flint-area store and shooting at police officers, according to The Detroit News. Martel was released in 2008, changed his life and obtained a degree from Wayne State University law school. Berstein told Michigan News Network he only believes Martel shouldn’t be on the court.
“This is not about redemption, this is not about second chances because I totally support that and believe in that wholeheartedly,” Bernstein said. “But what it’s really about is the fact that when you come to the Supreme Court, it has to be fair.”
Bolden said last week that she accepted Martel’s resignation after Bernstein’s criticism. It’s not known if he’ll be hired back. Bernstein says he wants to continue to work with Justice Bolden.
