Judge MacKenzie speaking at a Veterans' Court Graduation.
Have Gavel Will Travel
Judge Brian MacKenzie
P.O. Box, 20 Northville, Michigan 48169
Judge Brian MacKenzie
I served as a Judge of the Novi MI District Court for almost three decades working to improve the justice system. In recognition of that effort, I was honored by the Foundation for the Improvement of Justice with the Paul H. Chapman medal “for significant contributions to the American Criminal Justice System.” Receiving this award was one of the highest honors of my life. Additionally, my work has been recognized by the American Judges Association when it awarded me its highest award for educating the judiciary.
During my time on the bench, I served as the American Bar Association/National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Judicial Fellow. This work took me all over the United States teaching and writing about traffic safety issues.
Near the end of my career, I was elected President of the American Judges Association. Now I am one of the co-founders of the Justice Speakers Institute. I have lectured throughout the world on a broad range of issues including procedural fairness, problem solving courts, domestic violence, impaired driving, drug testing, traffic safety and civil liability. Recently I attended a conference in Istanbul, Turkey on the new treaty between the European Union and Turkey involving Syrian refugees.
Karen and Brian MacKenzie
I have written extensively on justice issues. My latest publication was the American Judges Association’s white paper entitled “The Judge Is the Key Component: The Importance of Procedural Fairness in Drug-Treatment Courts.” I also co-edited the book Michigan Criminal Procedure. You can find a complete listing of my articles, presentations, blog postings and podcasts under the publications section on this website.
I am married to the love of my life Karen MacKenzie and we have three children -- Kate, David and Breanna. We also have three grandsons -- Daniel, Raymond and Henry. Maggie and Cooper, our rescue dogs, complete our family.
With Judges Kavanaugh and Lawrence
At the Migration, Human and Justice Conference in Istanbul, Turkey
Judge Brian MacKenzie with Martin Sheen and Karen MacKenzie
Bringing marital bliss
With Judge Haley, and Robbie Gordon, NASCAR
With Senator Levin and a Michigan Delagation
Reading to kids at school
With former Chief Justice Marilyn Kelly of the Michigan Supreme Court
With wife Karen
Judge MacKenzie (Ret.) speaking at the Right to Counsel Conference
Judge MacKenzie, Brian Chodrow, West Huddleston, Judge Haley
Judge MacKenzie speaking outside of the Hall of Justice.
Judge MaKenzie, Canadian Justice Suzanne Cote, Gerald Tremblay and Karen MacKenzie
Judge MacKenzie moderating a table at the Right to Counsel Conference
With one of his grandchildren
Judge Brian MacKenzie
What They Are Saying About Judge MacKenzie
You have been a compassionate yet principled jurist whose integrity has been beyond reproach...you have made a difference in so many lives. I have personally seen your hand In the process that has allowed so many people to overcome addictions and self-destructive paths. You can look in the mirror and know that you have made a big difference not only in the community, but also in others.
In a world afflicted with fluctuating messages and uncommitted proclamations, Judge Brian Mackenzie brings a message of organized successful justice. When he speaks, he speaks with commitment, passion and knowledge. In my 20 years of teaching and counseling, no one exemplifies a strategy of helping people change more than Judge Mackenzie. The wealth of knowledge concerning specialty courts is especially riveting to listen to.
Brian Mackenzie is a though provoking and dynamic speaker. His knowledge of group dynamics and communications help lead team discussing into uncharted areas. This multi-faced approach and expertise gives Brian a remarkable impact on individuals and teams of professionals. His research into team cohesion provides a unique experience for the audience and the organization employing him.
Lars Levy, Director for Treatment Services, Sixteenth Judicial District, Louisiana
As a Court Administrator and Past President of the National Association for Court Management (NACM), I have had several opportunities to observe the high quality presentation skills of the Hon. Brian MacKenzie. In large and small venues, including NACM, Michigan Court Managers, American Judges Association, and Michigan Association for Drug Court Professionals, I have witnessed compelling and interactive presentations on diverse topics. I have always appreciated Judge MacKenzie's practical and passionate approaches to improve court services and ensure access to justice for all.