Court Reform

Michigan Court Reform and Justice Integrity Program (CRJIP)

The Michigan First Movement operates the Michigan Court Reform and Justice Integrity Program (CRJIP), a statewide initiative designed to restore swift, fair, and accountable justice in Michigan’s courts by leveraging existing federal and state grant funding.

CRJIP aligns with grants from the U.S. Department of Justice (Byrne JAG, BJA Justice System Reform), State Justice Institute, and Michigan Court System improvement funds. The program focuses on reducing backlogs, eliminating activist judging, improving efficiency, and ensuring courts serve law-abiding citizens and victims first.

Program Goals

• Dramatically reduce case backlogs and speed up justice.

• Eliminate lenient, activist, or ideologically driven rulings.

• Strengthen judicial accountability and transparency.

• Protect victims’ rights and deter crime through consistent, firm sentencing.

• Restore public trust in Michigan’s judicial system.

Eligible Project Categories 

CRJIP is structured to qualify for existing grants while advancing strict justice reforms:

1. Court Efficiency and Modernization

• Implementation of technology solutions (e-case management, virtual hearings where appropriate, automated scheduling) to clear backlogs and speed up case resolution.

• Infrastructure upgrades for court facilities to improve access and efficiency.

2. Sentencing and Accountability Reform

• Development and training on consistent, evidence-based sentencing guidelines that prioritize public safety and victim rights.

• Programs to reduce judicial discretion in violent, repeat, and serious felony cases.

3. Judicial Training and Performance Standards

• Mandatory training for judges on constitutional originalism, strict statutory interpretation, and avoidance of foreign law or activist theories.

• Performance evaluation systems and continuing education focused on efficiency, impartiality, and rule-of-law principles.

4. Victim and Community Justice Initiatives

• Expansion of victim advocacy, restitution enforcement, and restorative programs that hold offenders accountable.

• Community-based diversion programs only for low-level, first-time non-violent offenders with strict oversight and swift revocation for failures.

5. Oversight and Transparency

• Creation of public dashboards tracking court performance metrics (case resolution times, sentencing consistency, recidivism impact).

• Support for independent judicial review boards or citizen oversight mechanisms.

Program Features Designed for Grant Success

• Flexibility: Projects can be tailored to specific grant priorities (court technology, justice system improvement, victim services, workforce training for court personnel).

• Technical Assistance Hub: Free support for courts, judges, and local governments on grant applications, program design, and implementation.

• Equity Focus: Emphasis on improving access to justice for working families, crime victims, and rural communities.

• Outcomes Measurement: Rigorous tracking of case clearance rates, recidivism, victim satisfaction, and cost savings. Full compliance with grant reporting requirements.

• Leveraging Strategy: Guidance on combining federal Byrne JAG, BJA, State Justice Institute, and Michigan court improvement funds.

Alignment with Existing Grants

CRJIP is built to successfully compete for:

• U.S. Department of Justice Byrne Justice Assistance Grants (JAG) and Bureau of Justice Assistance programs.

• State Justice Institute court improvement grants.

• Michigan Supreme Court and State Court Administrative Office funding streams.

Expected Outcomes

• Significant reduction in court backlogs and faster resolution of cases.

• More consistent, firm, and constitutionally grounded sentencing.

• Increased public trust and confidence in Michigan’s judicial system.

• Better protection for victims and deterrence of crime.

• A more efficient, accountable, and professional court system.

The Michigan Court Reform and Justice Integrity Program uses existing public resources to deliver real justice, swift, fair, and firm, while protecting the rights of law-abiding citizens and victims.

Courts, judges, local governments, and justice-focused organizations are invited to partner with the Michigan First Movement to access technical assistance and pursue grant funding through CRJIP.

Swift Justice. Firm Accountability. Public Trust Restored.
Michigan First Means Justice First.