The Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission has authorized the filing of a formal complaint against Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Bruce Morrow, alleging he used inappropriate graphic sexual language while speaking with two female attorneys last year.
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The complaint stems from a trial between June 10-12, 2019 at 3rd Circuit Court in downtown Detroit. Morrow has been a judge at that court since January 1992.
According to the complaint, Morrow allegedly used inappropriate sexually graphic language toward two Wayne County assistant prosecuting attorneys who are women.
In the first charge, the JTC alleges Morrow gave feedback to one assistant prosecutor while using sex as an example about her direct examination.
Morrow "made an analogy for APA A to the effect 'that the climax of sex is akin to getting the medical examiner to state the cause and manner of death after getting the details of his examination of the body.'"
According to the complaint, Morrow's comments made the assistant prosecutor feel "frozen" and afraid to move.
In another instance, the complaint alleges that Morrow made fun of some testimony in chambers and also used sexual connotations to criticize the other assistant prosecutor's voir dire.
The final count alleges that Morrow questioned both assistant prosecutors about their height and weight.
The JTC has asked the Michigan Supreme Court to appoint a master to preside over a hearing about the complaint.
This isn't the first time Morrow has been subject to a JTC hearing. In 2013, Morrow was investigated by the JTC for his conduct. 7 Action News has reached out to Morrow and his attorney for comment.
Last year, we also covered a story where Morrow declined a Michigan Department of Corrections recommendation that the man be jailed for 90 days after violating his probation. Even before that, say police, the man repeatedly ran afoul of the law, but was given low bonds by judges, repeatedly skipped court dates and flouted the legal system.
On July 10, Detroit Police forwarded a request for charges to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s office. Because he has not been formally charged, 7 Action News is not naming him.
