The Honorable Karen Khalil
For over twenty-five years, the Honorable Karen Khalil has served the people of Redford Township as one of their 17th District Court Judges. During her time on the bench, Judge Khalil has presided with distinction, and has been selected by the Michigan Supreme Court to serve as the court's Chief Judge for 22 years. The Supreme Court has ordered that she continue serving as the Chief for the next two years as well.
Raised in Redford from a young age, and a graduate of Redford Union High School, Judge Khalil is keenly aware of the real-life concerns of the Township's residents. As Redford's first female judge, she has earned a reputation for being firm, but fair, and highly committed to the Rule of Law. Her courtroom is widely recognized as a model of integrity and efficiency.
Judge Khalil was the founder of the Commission on Children's Issues and continues to actively serve on its board of Directors. In her courtroom, Judge Khalil shows extra concern for younger defendants who require special attention. She regularly schedules status conferences to discuss progress with these younger offenders and their parents.
In November of 2011, Judge Khalil dedicated a Veterans Court in Redford. This veteran's court, the fourth in the State of Michigan and the first in the suburbs of Wayne County, offers veterans who are involved in the criminal justice system a coordinated response to the unique problems they are facing. Specifically, Judge Khalil has worked closely with the VA and local veterans groups, prosecutors, veterans' defense counsel as well as probation staff and mentors to provide veterans with the tools they need to lead productive and law abiding lives.
In March of 2017, Judge Khalil was asked to present as a faculty member at the New Judge's Seminar in Lansing. Judge Khalil is also a board member of the Michigan Association of Treatment Court Professionals.
In addition, Judge Khalil is deeply committed to serving the citizens of Redford Township and its neighbors through ongoing community outreach. For example, she has initiated programs to educate citizens on important legal issues, speaks regularly to community groups, and looks forward to frequent visits by students and educators in her courtroom.
During her tenure, Judge Khalil has presided over many high profile cases, including Jack Kevorkian's Redford Township assisted suicide and the murder of an on-duty Detroit Police Officer.
Judge Khalil is a graduate of Albion College and the University of Detroit School of Law.