LANSING, Mich. — A District Court judge in Troy has been found “unsafe to practice” by a mental health evaluation, according to a complaint filed by the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission (JTC).
The commission’s complaint, released Wednesday on its website, alleges that 52-4 District Court Judge Kirsten Neilson Hartig exhibited disruptive behavior and personality dysfunction, findings that led evaluators from All Points North to deem her unfit to perform judicial duties as of May 2024. This characterization was initially redacted from the public version of the complaint but became visible due to a technical error involving the redaction process.
According to the complaint, Hartig withheld the psychological report from the Commission for at least five months, from July 25 to December 5, 2024.
In response, a spokesperson for Judge Hartig issued a statement emphasizing her respect for the Judicial Tenure Commission and commitment to participating fully in the ongoing process.
“After years of inquiry, the Commission has produced a complaint based on disputed claims and a flawed process,” the statement read. “Judge Hartig has waited patiently for the opportunity to address these allegations directly and looks forward to doing so. The public deserves confidence in both the judiciary and its oversight. That confidence depends on transparency grounded in fact, not fiction. Judge Hartig has served the public and the bench for more than a decade with integrity, transparency, and a commitment to justice. The Commission is expected to do the same.”
Lynn Helland, executive director of the Judicial Tenure Commission, told 6 News that the redaction error was unintentional and stemmed from a technical issue. She explained the redaction was a courtesy while discussions took place with the judge regarding the sensitive medical information contained in the report.
Hartig was relieved of nearly all judicial duties on May 27, 2025, by Chief District Court Judge Travis Reeds. However, she retains authority over civil, landlord, and small claims cases. The 52nd District Court serves the cities of Troy and Clawson.
The Judicial Tenure Commission regulates judicial conduct in Michigan, and a formal complaint is the first step in a process that can lead to a judge’s removal from the bench.
As the investigation continues, court officials have yet to provide further comment on the redaction issue. Updates will follow as new information becomes available.
