,
10 tweets,
3 min read
Read on Twitter
The reaction to this offer has not been uniformly positive. Some feel strongly about the tradition and the majesty that accompanies the in-court oath. Let me say a bit more about why, while I agree, I still think we should be expanding our options. A thread. 1/
First: I love an in-courtroom swearing in of a new member of the bar. It moves me every time. Michigan’s oath, in particular, is demanding and specific and reminds us of the very best of our profession. I took my first oath in an appellate courtroom. I still remember it. 2/
Brief detour: @MIStateBar let’s look at a group swearing in a couple of times a year at the @MISupremeCourt. A time when anyone who wants to can come and be sworn in together in our courtroom, taking the oath together. Other states do this. It’s powerful. And open to all. 3/
At the same time, however, I feel strongly that our courts are here to serve the public and making them more accessible is an ongoing goal. To the public, even to lawyers. #AccessToJustice #DrivingChange 4/
21st century courts must embrace 21st Century processes. Videoconferencing has made our courts better at serving the public. We are about to begin online dispute resolution in 16 counties in certain case types with a goal of more case types statewide before long. 5/
I think modeling these principles is important. So even while I agree with everyone about the benefits of an in-court oath (so much so that I want to see more of it, see above), I also want to accommodate new lawyers who prefer another option. We are here to serve you. 6/
I’ve done it before. 7/ 
And the gravity of the oath, the promises it demands, was not diminished. I promise. It’s still moving, sobering, inspirational. 8/
The public wants courts that are independent, engaged in their communities, accessible to all and efficient places to get their business done. Growing the ways we can get things done serves those ends. So I’m for it. 9/
Thanks for interest, the feedback (all sides of it ) and the community. Fin/
