Downriver Today

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced two appointments to district courts last month. 

The Dec. 14 appointments were Jeremy Bowie to the 50th District Court, city of Pontiac and Shawn Jacque to the 36th District Court, city of Detroit, according to a news release from the governor’s office.

“I'm so thankful to Gov. Whitmer for appointing me to the 50th Judicial District Court,” Bowie said in the release. “I am excited and energized to serve my fellow citizens of the city of Pontiac. Every day will have purpose because I am giving back to the city that made me who I am today.” 

Jacque has been with the court since 2020 and started as deputy general counsel. He is currently the general counsel for the 36th District Court of Detroit where he directs the legal affairs of the court, along with serving as legal adviser to the chief judge.

“Shawn and Jeremy are committed public servants who will serve Michigan admirably and uphold justice,” Whitmer said in a release. “I am proud to appoint them and will continue working with our judicial system to protect the rule of law and stand strong for every Michigander.”

Bowie’s latest job was working with The Perkins Law Group as a criminal defense attorney. He led law firm's federal criminal case docket and was in charge of legal research and writing. Previously, Bowie worked for Merry, Farnen & Ryan in civil law and was an assistant prosecutor in Wayne County. 

While in law school he served as a judicial intern for Judge Rosemarie Aquilina and a judicial extern for Judge John H. Gillis Jr.

Bowie fills the void left by Judge Michael Martinez who recently retired. He started Dec. 31 and his term is expected to expire Jan. 1, 2025. If he wishes to serve the entirety of Martinez's term, which ends on Jan. 1, 2027, he will have to run in November 2024 for re-election.