LANSING, MI - On June 28, 2024, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointment of Judge Kelly Morton to the 56th Circuit Court in Eaton County. 

“I am proud to appoint Judge Morton to the Circuit Court,” said Governor Whitmer. “She brings years of experience both as a judge and litigator to the bench, where I know she will uphold the rule of law and serve the people well.” 

56th Circuit Court - Eaton County 

Judge Kelly Morton currently serves on the 56A District Court in Eaton County. Prior to serving as a District Court Judge, she served as an assistant prosecutor for 18 years in Eaton and Alpena counties. Her experience as an assistant prosecutor includes work as the specialty drug prosecutor, and as the dedicated domestic violence prosecutor.  In her last 10 years as a prosecutor, she handled a felony docket and sexual assault cases. Additionally, she served as a law clerk to Hon. Joseph P. Swallow and Hon. John F. Kowalski in the 26th Circuit Court for Alpena County. Judge Morton has served as a member of the Eaton County Domestic and Sexual Violence Coordinating Committee, the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, and the Eaton County Human Trafficking Task Force. She is currently the president of the Siren/Eaton Shelter Board of Directors.   

Kelly Morton received an associate degree from Oakland Community College, a Bachelor of General Studies from Oakland University, and her Juris Doctor from the Michigan State University College of Law." 

“I would like to thank Governor Whitmer for this appointment and her confidence in me.” said Kelly Morton. “As I step in to this new role, I hope to continue the work of providing fair and impartial justice for all who appear before me.  I am honored to be entrusted with this awesome responsibility.” 

This appointment was made to fill a partial term following the resignation of Judge John Maurer. Judge Morton’s term will commence on July 2, 2024, and expire at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2027.