Michael Francis Cavanagh
October 21, 1940 – May 20, 2025
Former Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael Cavanagh died on May 20 in Lansing, at the age of 84. A Mass of Christian Burial took place May 29.
Cavanagh served on the bench from 1983 to 2014, and as chief justice 1991 to 1995.
One of Michigan's longest serving Supreme Court justices, he heard more than 2,000 cases and wrote 277 dissenting opinions, 120 majority opinions, 95 concurring opinions and 65 unanimous opinions.
Cavanagh, whose daughter Megan K. Cavanagh is the current Chief Justice, earned his bachelor’s degree and his J.D. from the University of Detroit (now University of Detroit Mercy) in 1966.
He then became a research attorney for the Michigan Court of Appeals. The following year, he became legal counsel for the City of Lansing, before moving to private practice in 1969.
In 1972, he was elected to 54-A District Court in Lansing, before winning election to the state Court of Appeals in 1975.
During his time as chief justice, he was instrumental in establishing the state's Tribal Court Forum in 1992.
After retirement from the high court, Cavanagh joined Alane & Chartier in Lansing.
Contributions in Cavanagh’s memory may be made to Pope Francis Center, 2915 W Hancock St., Detroit, MI 48208.
Cavanagh served on the bench from 1983 to 2014, and as chief justice 1991 to 1995.
One of Michigan's longest serving Supreme Court justices, he heard more than 2,000 cases and wrote 277 dissenting opinions, 120 majority opinions, 95 concurring opinions and 65 unanimous opinions.
Cavanagh, whose daughter Megan K. Cavanagh is the current Chief Justice, earned his bachelor’s degree and his J.D. from the University of Detroit (now University of Detroit Mercy) in 1966.
He then became a research attorney for the Michigan Court of Appeals. The following year, he became legal counsel for the City of Lansing, before moving to private practice in 1969.
In 1972, he was elected to 54-A District Court in Lansing, before winning election to the state Court of Appeals in 1975.
During his time as chief justice, he was instrumental in establishing the state's Tribal Court Forum in 1992.
After retirement from the high court, Cavanagh joined Alane & Chartier in Lansing.
Contributions in Cavanagh’s memory may be made to Pope Francis Center, 2915 W Hancock St., Detroit, MI 48208.
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