5/13/02

Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Maura D. Corrigan received an engraved gavel May 8 from the President of the State Bar of Michigan Bruce W. Neckers to mark the closing of the courtroom at the G. Mennen Williams Building in Lansing, which the Court has occupied since 1970.

"This facility has indeed been hallowed ground, by virtue of its purpose and the people within it," Neckers said. "Whether here or in greater quarters we can only pray that we will do justice because that is what makes it a hallowed place."

The afternoon ceremony was highlighted with speeches from various other dignitaries and the signing of a proclamation. After the Supreme Court Justices and others in the legal community filed out of the courtroom, the lights were switched off and the doors closed—marking the end of an era. The event also marked the end of the Court session, as justices prepared to move to the new Hall of Justice at the west end of the Capitol complex in October.

"It feels bittersweet to me leaving, because we've had so many good memories of cases that have been argued here, and this has been the Court's home for 32 years. But we're really thrilled that we're having a permanent home now in the new Hall of Justice for the first time in Supreme Court history in 165 years," said Chief Justice Corrigan.

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