Michael Cavanagh (judge)

Michael Francis Cavanagh (born August 22, 1940) is an American jurist who served as a Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court from 1983 to 2015.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Cavanagh received his B.A. from the University of Detroit in 1962 and his J.D. from the Detroit College of Law in 1966. Prior to his Supreme Court service, he served as a judge on the Michigan Court of Appeals from 1975 to 1983. Before becoming a judge, Cavanagh practiced law privately.

Cavanagh was first appointed to the Michigan Supreme Court by Governor James Blanchard in 1983 to fill a vacancy. He was subsequently elected to the court several times, maintaining a reputation as a moderate Democrat. His tenure on the court spanned over three decades, making him one of the longest-serving justices in Michigan Supreme Court history.

Throughout his career, Justice Cavanagh participated in numerous landmark cases and contributed significantly to Michigan jurisprudence. His judicial philosophy generally emphasized a fair and balanced application of the law, often showing concern for the rights of individuals. He retired from the Michigan Supreme Court on December 31, 2015.