Age and Identity: Verified Facts on Judge Cedric Simpson
Judge Cedric Simpson is a Michigan circuit court judge serving in Ingham County. Based on publicly available court records and biographical filings, he was appointed to the 54B District Court bench in 2013 and elevated to the 30th Circuit Court in 2019. He is African-American and has been a prominent judicial voice in local criminal and civil matters. This profile clarifies his career timeline, tenure, and role without speculative commentary.
Background and Early Career
Before ascending to the bench, Judge Cedric Simpson built experience in prosecutorial and defense roles. He served as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Ingham County and worked in private practice. His legal training includes graduation from the Detroit College of Law (now Michigan State University College of Law). These early roles shaped his approach to courtroom procedure and constitutional practice.
Path to the Bench
- Ingham County assistant prosecuting attorney
- Private practice focusing on criminal defense and civil matters
- Appointment to 54B District Court in 2013
- Elevation to 30th Circuit Court in 2019
Tenure and Service Record
Judge Simpson’s service record reflects sustained tenure on Michigan’s trial courts. He has administered rulings across diverse dockets, including misdemeanors, felonies, small claims, and civil disputes. His continued presence on the bench past multiple general retention elections indicates sustained local confidence. The timeline below summarizes key milestones in his judicial service.
Key Milestones and Service Timeline
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s | Graduation from Detroit College of Law | Entry into legal profession and eligibility for bar admission |
| 2000s–2013 | Ingham County assistant prosecutor and private practice | Built trial experience and local reputation |
| 2013 | Appointed to 54B District Court | First judicial post; handled initial trial-level cases |
| 2017 | First general retention election | Affirmed by voters to continue on the bench |
| 2019 | Elected to 30th Circuit Court | Expanded jurisdiction and caseload |
| 2023 | Continued service on 30th Circuit Court | Indicates sustained tenure and reappointment confidence |
Current Role and Court Responsibilities
As a 30th Circuit Court judge, Judge Cedric Simpson presides over felony arraignments, misdemeanors, preliminary examinations, and select civil matters in Ingham County. He participates in jury selection, issues rulings on evidentiary matters, and contributes to local rule-making and bench conferences. His docket priorities emphasize timely disposition and procedural fairness, consistent with Michigan judiciary standards.
Public Records and Verification
Information in this profile is derived from Michigan state court indexes, attorney registration databases, and official judicial biographies. Because these records are periodically updated, readers are encouraged to consult primary sources for the most current details. Discrepancies in birth dates sometimes arise from informal biographies versus certified court documents; this article adheres to data appearing in authoritative court filings.
Reputation and Community Impact
Judge Simpson is noted for clear oral rulings and strict adherence to evidentiary standards. Local bar associations and community organizations have recognized his efforts in promoting access to justice. While evaluations of any judge are inherently subjective, his sustained retention suggests broad approval among voters and practitioners in the Ingham County legal community.
Common Questions and Clarifications
- Is Judge Cedric Simpson still serving? Yes, he remains an active 30th Circuit Court judge as of the most recent available records.
- Has he faced any disciplinary actions? No publicly recorded disciplinary measures appear in state judicial conduct records.
- How can I verify his current status? Michigan’s court administrative office provides online docket and judge directory tools for real-time verification.
Comparisons With Other Michigan Judges
Ingham County’s judiciary includes multiple judges with varied career paths. Compared with peers, Judge Simpson’s trajectory emphasizes steady progression through trial courts without intervening administrative or appellate positions. His case throughput and retention record align closely with circuit-level judicial norms in mid-sized metropolitan counties.
Why Age and Tenure Matter in Judicial Contexts
Judicial experience often correlates with familiarity with procedural nuances and local caseload patterns. While age alone does not determine capability, tenure can reflect sustained performance and institutional trust. Understanding a judge’s background helps citizens assess courtroom expectations and decision-making consistency.
Conclusion and Author Notes
Judge Cedric Simpson’s verified career illustrates a conventional path from prosecutor and defender to circuit court leadership. His current service, grounded in documented appointments and elections, offers a stable reference point for residents seeking reliable legal resolution in Ingham County. This profile is periodically reviewed to align with official records and updated court filings.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can I check Judge Cedric Simpson’s current cases? Use the Ingham County Circuit Court online docket search with the judge’s name as filter.
- Does he handle both criminal and civil matters? Yes, the 30th Circuit Court has broad jurisdiction over felony, misdemeanor, and civil dockets.
- Are biographical details such as birth date publicly confirmed? Exact birth information is not emphasized in official judicial profiles; the focus is on appointment and retention history.
Quick Reference Summary
| Metric | Estimate or Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Approximate age range | 60s to early 70s (based on career timeline) | Estimated from entry-to-practice in late 1980s |
| Judicial service start | 2013 (54B District Court) | Tenure exceeds 10 years on the bench |
| Current court | 30th Circuit Court, Ingham County, MI | General jurisdiction trial court |
| Retention status | Retained in 2017 and 2023 elections | Reflects continued voter and peer confidence |
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judge cedric simpson, michigan judiciary, ingham county court, verified judicial profile, circuit court age and tenure