9/11/14 - A local attorney says a lawsuit he filed against a sitting judge aims to bring attention to matters he feels need to see the light of day. Howell Attorney Tom Kizer filed suit against 53rd District Court Judge Theresa Brennan after he was denied access to video and audio recordings of courtroom proceedings for multiple cases that have been before her. Kizer says the lawsuit was a last resort as he had sent Judge Brennan a letter asking for access to the recordings before filing it. Brennan is up for reelection and as to any political motivation; Kizer said thereâs a political component to everything during election years. Kizer tells WHMI itâs a serious issue and about more than Judge Brennan but the judicial branch of government and transparency. Kizer says he felt it was his duty to at least step forward and try to gain access to the recordings. He says the videos could show nothing at all, but they could also show that Judge Brennan is not even tempered or respectful of people. Kizer says the current local court order preventing him from accessing the public information is so selective and fraught with discrimination against individuals that it needs to be reviewed. He says it allows the viewing of videos by litigants and attorneys but they do not have the ability to make copies, while the media is permitted access but only at the discretion of the judge. The complaint was filed September 4th in Livingston County Circuit Court. An order of disqualification for all local judges was filed Tuesday, requesting the matter be referred to the Supreme Court Administrators Office. Calls for comment have been placed with Brennanâs attorney Joe Seward. (JM)
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