On Friday, June 20, 2025, the Michigan Supreme Court appointed retired judge James Fisher as Master to oversee a public hearing regarding the misconduct complaint against 23rd District Court Judge Joseph D. Slaven. The court ordered the hearing to be scheduled promptly, with a completion deadline within 182 days from the appointment date.
The Judicial Tenure Commission filed the complaint in late May 2025, accusing Slaven of multiple violations during his tenure. The allegations include using his judicial position to promote another candidate’s campaign, publicly criticizing Chief Judge Victoria Shackelford, making inappropriate gestures toward courthouse security cameras, sending disrespectful emails, failing to wear a judicial robe on the bench, obscuring his face during virtual hearings, interfering with courtroom staff, driving with an expired and illegible license plate, and providing false information to the commission.
In his response, Slaven claimed some actions were deliberate attempts to expose unauthorized surveillance by Chief Judge Shackelford and Court Administrator Deanna Warunek. He argued that recordings made in his courtroom or from his YouTube stream without his consent violated state law and should not be used as evidence. Slaven stated he would hold those responsible for the recordings in contempt of court.
One specific charge involves Slaven printing 160 copies of a document titled “Mike Tinney is a Man of the People” to support Tinney’s campaign for a judicial position at the 23rd District Court. Slaven explained that he intentionally named the file to draw attention from those he believed were monitoring him through courtroom cameras, asserting it was a renamed document he regularly used.
The commission also alleged that Slaven repeatedly criticized Shackelford, including remarks suggesting her incompetence in managing her docket and understanding court rules. Slaven clarified that these statements referred to himself, not the chief judge. Additionally, Slaven admitted to making obscene gestures toward security cameras, claiming they were meant to highlight unauthorized monitoring by court administration.
Another accusation involves Slaven allegedly driving a vehicle with an illegible license plate and expired registration. He denied owning the vehicle, stating it belonged to his parents and that he was unaware of its registration status.
Regarding claims of recording Shackelford without consent, Slaven argued that Michigan appellate courts have deemed such recordings legal and said he would have refused to stop if asked, as the recording provided evidence to counter alleged false accusations.
The public hearing, overseen by Fisher, will address these allegations and Slaven’s responses as the Judicial Tenure Commission proceeds with its investigation.
Slaven, who graduated from the University of Michigan in 1994 with dual bachelor’s degrees and later from the University of Detroit School of Law, has served as a judge since January 1, 2015.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
