The courtroom bench: A place to show compassion, grace and humility

As an undergrad at Central Michigan University, Marlena E. Taylor, ’04, ’07, dreamed of working in politics and eventually becoming the mayor of Detroit.

As her journey continued, however, she discovered a passion for working with local citizens, helping better their lives and advocating for rehabilitation. She earned a law degree and landed her first role as a project consultant for the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office. There, she had a life-changing epiphany.

“I realized I could do the same things I was hoping to do with my career by practicing law. That helped change my mind — understanding there are more ways to get to the end goal and help my community,” Marlena said. “I fell in love with the work. Sometimes you think you can only make a difference from the outside, but I saw value in making a difference from the inside.”

Marlena is now a judge in Detroit’s 36th District Court, having been appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2021. Her seat is in the preliminary examinations division, where she oversees criminal matters and listens to cases ranging from drug offenses and assault to carrying concealed weapons. She works to determine if the police and prosecutor’s office have presented enough information to send the case to circuit court.

Her role allows her to make significant, daily impact — the part she finds the most fulfilling.

“No one wants to come see me. This is an invitation they wish they didn’t have,” she said. “But being able to show compassion, grace and humility in what I do — understanding that we’re all human, and we’re doing the best we can in our everyday lives — is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.”

Sometimes you think you can only make a difference from the outside, but I saw value in making a difference from the inside.

As a younger Black woman, Marlena said she sees a look of pride and feels a sense of relatability when people walk into her courtroom.

“I show passion when I lecture people about their behavior, and I think they listen to me because they know it’s coming from a place of love,” she said. “I love being in a position to do that and continuously show I care, but I also want you to do what you’re supposed to do in our city.”

Marlena credits CMU with preparing her for a successful career.

“CMU gave me the interpersonal skills I needed to talk to different individuals, have good working relationships and be self-aware of who I was as a student and a person. That has been invaluable in my life.”