Elect
Experience Matters
A lifelong resident of Michigan, Judge Boonstra graduated from high school in West Michigan, received his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and two graduate degrees from the University of Michigan (JD and Economics). After a successful legal career in private practice with Miller Canfield, he joined Michigan’s second highest court, where he has served with distinction since 2012.
Court of Appeals Experience
Judge Boonstra joined the Court of Appeals in March, 2012, and was subsequently elected in 2012, 2014, and 2020. Over his 12 years on the bench, Judge Boonstra has participated in deciding thousands of cases that have come before him, and has authored more than a thousand judicial opinions covering every area of law.
He has a proven track record, not only of scholarship, but as a consistent and reliable Rule-of-Law judge, and you can count on him to continue to provide the same service on the Michigan Supreme Court.
Court of Claims Experience
In addition to his appellate duties, Judge Boonstra served a two-year term on the Michigan Court of Claims, by appointment of the Michigan Supreme Court, from May 1, 2015 to May 1, 2017, where his docket included cases arising out of the Flint Water Crisis. The Court of Appeals is the trial court handling claims against the State of Michigan.
Why I am Running for the Michigan Supreme Court
Commitment to Impartiality
I believe that my background and experience uniquely qualify me to serve on the Michigan Supreme Court and contribute to the jurisprudence of our state at the highest level. With 27 years of experience practicing law and handling litigation and appeals for a top law firm, followed by 12 years on the Court of Appeals, I have a track record that speaks for itself.
As a jurist, I firmly believe in the importance of fairness and impartiality. Whether presiding over a case in the Court of Appeals or writing legal opinions, I always strive to be fair and impartial, following the law to the best of my ability. I believe in clearly explaining the reasoning behind my decisions so that parties and lawyers understand that they have been heard and treated fairly.
Upholding the Law.
Seeking to Serve.
I believe that a judge's role is to interpret and apply the law, not to make it. Judges should be impartial arbiters, assessing the facts and applying the law without favoritism. It is our duty to follow the law and leave policymaking to the appropriate branches of government.
While I thoroughly enjoy serving on the Michigan Court of Appeals, I am ready to hit the ground running on the Michigan Supreme Court. I am offering myself to the citizens of Michigan and asking for the opportunity to apply my legal and judicial skills at the next level.
Judicial & Constitutional Expertise
In addition to his work on the Court, Judge Boonstra is a constitutional author of a three-volume book on our nation’s founding fathers. He has also been active both in the State Bar of Michigan and in civic affairs, including: :
- Serving in the Representative Assembly: 2005-2011
- Chair of the Section on Antitrust, Franchising, and Trade Regulation: 2000-2001
- Fellow of the Michigan State Bar Foundation: 2013-Present
- Chair of the Michigan Supreme Court Committee on Model Civil Jury Instructions: 2015-2020
- Vice-Chair of State of Michigan Retirement Board: 2016-2019
- Chair of the Michigan Judges Retirement Board: 2013-2016
Synergy Media 97.7/98.7 News
Judge Boonstra Discusses Why He is Running for Michigan Supreme Court
This interview was taped April 15, 2024. You can listen to the interview. There is no video to this radio interview.
Synergy Broadcasting Group: https://gowithsynergy.com/
View all media interviews, podcasts, and appearances for Judge Boonstra.
Endorsements
Court of Appeals Judges Endorse Judge Boonstra
The Boonstra Team is proud to announce a growing list of judges currently serving the Michigan Court of Appeals, as well as those who formerly served in that role, who support Judge Boonstra as the ideal, experienced, Rule-of-Law candidate to join the state’s highest court.
Campaign Announcement
March 18, 2024: With Justice David Viviano’s recent decision not to seek re-election, Judge Mark Boonstra is announcing that he will run for that open seat on the Michigan Supreme Court. With over a decade of experience as a Judge on the Michigan Court of Appeals, Judge Boonstra is extremely well-qualified to assume the role and provide an unbiased, rule-of-law approach for the people of Michigan.
A lifelong resident of Michigan, Judge Boonstra graduated from high school in West Michigan, received his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and two graduate degrees from the University of Michigan (JD and Economics). After a successful legal career in private practice with Miller Canfield, he joined Michigan’s second highest court in 2012.
"I join so many throughout Michigan in thanking Justice Viviano for his service. Since my youth , I have recognized the profound impact of the legal process in America, from the US Constitution to local ordinances. I understand that the law affects every individual at every turn and believe it is my duty to participate in this process, striving to guarantee that every citizen is treated equally and fairly under the law,” stated Judge Boonstra. “I am deeply passionate about this commitment, and with my experience on the Court of Appeals, I am prepared to continue my service on the Supreme Court.”
As the author of a three-volume book about the 118 signers of our nation’s founding documents, Judge Boonstra has a deep understanding of the Constitution. He has studied the Constitution for numerous years and has been a frequent speaker on the topic.
Judge Boonstra has been active in the State Bar of Michigan, serving in the Representative Assembly, as Chair of the Section on Antitrust, Franchising, and Trade Regulation, and as a Fellow of the Michigan State Bar Foundation. He also served for many years as Chair of the Michigan Supreme Court Committee on Model Civil Jury Instructions.
“Judge Mark Boonstra is an extremely well-qualified candidate to assume responsibility on the Michigan Supreme Court, and I am pleased to join my colleagues, former Chief Justices Clifford Taylor, Maura Corrigan, and Stephen Markman, in enthusiastically supporting him,” said former Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert Young. Young continued, “Experience matters. With Justice Viviano’s retirement, only 1 of our remaining Justices brought any judicial experience to the Court. We need Judge Boonstra on the Supreme Court. He’s a Judge, for a Judge’s job.”
Judge Boonstra will be presenting more on his background and qualifications to the public in the weeks to come.
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