36th District Court · Detroit, Michigan
Former Judge Leon Jenkins
A Legacy of Justice, Integrity & Service
Former Judge Jenkins established himself as the first judge to enact alternatives to monetary bonds, and creative community sentencing. Judge Jenkins in terms of judicial reform was way ahead of his time. To his credit he was the first judge to systematically abandon monetary bonds for alternative detention programing. He was the original Homework judge; GED judge; Grades for bond judge, and Community give back judge. .
Judicial Career
Document Download
From Trial to Justice — Intro & Book Summary
An introduction and summary of Judge Leon Jenkins' landmark book chronicling his unprecedented legal battles.
Community
Justice is not just what happens in a courtroom — it is what happens in our communities every single day.
From youth mentorship to civic engagement, Judge Jenkins has dedicated himself to the betterment of Detroit — working alongside community organizations, faith leaders, and local institutions to build a more just and equitable city.
of judicial service
of lives impacted
community programs supported
“The measure of a judge is not only in the verdicts rendered, but in the trust earned from the community served.”
New Book
From Trial to Justice
The Untold Story of Judge Leon Jenkins
Two trials. Two acquittals. One extraordinary story of justice.
The only time in American history that an African-American politician and judge faced two separate federal trials — for bribery, extortion, racketeering, and mail fraud — and was acquitted in both. This book chronicles Judge Jenkins' unprecedented five-year legal battle fought on three fronts simultaneously: the Michigan Supreme Court, the Michigan State Bar, and federal criminal prosecutors.
Legacy
Explore the Full Legacy
Discover the career, community work, and lasting impact of Former Judge Leon Jenkins on Detroit and the 36th District Court.