In a significant development for the Ann Arbor judicial system, Tamara Garwood has been appointed as the newest judge for the 15th District Court. Garwood, who has served as a magistrate in the court since 2016, is eager to take on her new role, which she sees as a chance to facilitate problem-solving within the legal framework. She officially replaces Judge Karen Valvo, who retired in December 2023.
Individual Approach to Justice
Garwood expressed her passion for the judiciary, stating, “I think that’s one of the things I like about being in the courtroom. It doesn’t matter what the problem is — there’s always a solution.” Her previous experience as a magistrate has primarily involved initial case proceedings, where she addressed arraignments and early legal matters. This new position will allow her to guide defendants through the entire judicial process, offering a more comprehensive understanding of their situations.
Reflecting on her time as a magistrate, Garwood noted, “When you only see them every time they get a bench warrant, you just get a sense of what’s going wrong in their life. You never really get a sense of the progress that they’re making and who they are as an individual.” As a judge, she aims to build relationships that inform her rulings and enhance access to justice.
Focus on Specialized Courts
In her new capacity, Garwood will oversee cases in landlord-tenant disputes, criminal dockets, as well as specialty courts focusing on mental health and veterans. The veteran specialty court holds particular significance for her due to her father’s military background. “My father, when I was a child, didn’t talk a lot about what happened in Vietnam, and there was a stigma when he came home,” she said. Garwood believes that addressing such stigmas is crucial for supporting veterans in the legal system.
The veteran specialty court collaborates with local Veterans Affairs departments to provide tailored services for those who have served in the military. Garwood’s commitment to this cause highlights her dedication to addressing the unique challenges faced by veterans within the judicial process.
Despite her extensive experience, Garwood acknowledges that her new role will involve learning new aspects of the job. As a magistrate, she was not permitted to preside over jury trials, a responsibility she is now preparing for. To ease this transition, she has engaged in the court’s training program and has been shadowing Judge Joseph Burke, who offers his expertise as a visiting judge.
Her preparation has yielded positive insights, as she felt encouraged by her agreement with Burke’s recent decisions during a preliminary examination. “It’s just this lovely experience to see this aspect that, as a magistrate, you never get to see,” she remarked.
Garwood’s term as judge will extend until January 2027, during which she hopes her performance will strengthen her chances for reelection. She previously ran for a vacant position in the 15th District Court in November but lost to current Judge Kerene Moore. “I plan to stay here for a long time,” Garwood stated confidently.
As she embarks on this new chapter, Garwood’s individual approach to justice and her commitment to understanding the people behind the cases promise a transformative period for the Ann Arbor judicial system.
