On Monday, February 12, 2024, the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission dismissed the misconduct complaint filed against Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Paul J. Cusick.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Judge Paul J. Cusick,” with case number 104.
The complaint consisted of five counts alleging Judge Cusick violated judicial conduct rules during his time as an Assistant Attorney General and later as a judge. Specifically, it was alleged that Judge Cusick allowed a witness to testify falsely about their motive for cooperation in one criminal trial. It was also alleged that Judge Cusick withheld evidence about cooperating witnesses in two other criminal cases and failed to disclose information about another witness.
The case was heard over seven days by a master appointed by the Commission. In June 2023, the master issued a report largely clearing Judge Cusick of the allegations. However, the Disciplinary Counsel, which prosecutes misconduct cases, filed objections arguing the master’s report contained factual errors, ignored evidence, and failed to adequately address several of the issues.
On Monday, the Judicial Tenure Commission issued its decision adopting most of the master’s findings but dismissing the entire complaint. A majority found Judge Cusick did not commit misconduct on four of the counts, including the allegations about allowing false testimony and withholding evidence. On the third count related to withholding evidence in two other cases, the decision was split, with two commissioners dissenting.
In adopting the master’s report, the Commission recognized it conducted a de novo, or fresh, review of the entire record. It concluded the master did not abuse his role or credibility determinations, which found testimony from experienced criminal attorneys defending Judge Cusick’s conduct as credible.
Judge Paul J. Cusick earned a law degree from Wayne State University. The Judge’s Courtroom is located at 1441 St Antoine, Detroit, MI 48226, and can be reached at (313) 224-2461. His bio can be found on ballotpedia.com.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
