Sean Perkins
Sean B. Perkins | |
|---|---|
| Judge of the 36th District Court | |
| Assumed office 2021 | |
| Appointed by | Gretchen Whitmer |
| Preceded by | B. Pennie Millender |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Relations | Todd Perkins (brother) |
| Education | |
Sean B. Perkins is an American attorney and judge serving on the 36th District Court in Detroit, Michigan. He was appointed to the court by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2021 and was subsequently elected to a full six-year term in 2022.[1]
Early life and education
Perkins is a native of Detroit, Michigan. His brother, Todd Perkins, is a Detroit attorney who heads Perkins Law Group.[2]
Before attending law school, Perkins worked at the Ford Motor Company Woodhaven Stamping Plant, where he held positions including assembly-line worker, Hi-Lo driver, journeyman and pipefitter. He later served as a benefits representative for United Auto Workers Local 387.[3]
Perkins earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Wayne State University and a Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.[1]
Legal career
Before joining the judiciary, Perkins practiced with Perkins Law Group in downtown Detroit, which was headed by his brother, attorney Todd Perkins. His practice included felony and misdemeanor criminal cases, personal injury and no-fault civil litigation, and bankruptcy cases.[2]
Judicial career
Governor Gretchen Whitmer appointed Perkins to Detroit's 36th District Court on May 5, 2021, following the death of Judge B. Pennie Millender. The appointment filled the remainder of Millender's term, which expired on January 1, 2023.[1]
Perkins subsequently sought a full term on the court. He appeared on the November 2022 ballot as an incumbent candidate for one of seven six-year positions on the 36th District Court.[4] Perkins received 55,443 votes and was elected to a six-year term.[5]
Virtual courtroom proceedings
Perkins received media attention in June 2025 following a virtual court proceeding involving Asja Outerbridge, who appeared before the court on a misdemeanor charge. During the proceeding, Outerbridge prepared a peanut butter and jelly sandwich while wearing a robe, prompting Perkins to question her attire and remove her from the virtual hearing.[6] The incident was subsequently covered by CBS News Detroit and People after footage of the exchange circulated online.[7][8]
Perkins again received widespread media attention in October 2025 during a virtual hearing in which Detroit police officer Matthew Jackson appeared on camera wearing his uniform shirt but without uniform trousers. After Jackson identified himself, Perkins asked whether he was wearing pants; Jackson responded that he was not and repositioned his camera before the hearing continued.[9]
The incident was covered by news organizations in and outside Michigan, including The Guardian, and prompted a response from the Detroit Police Department.[10] Police Chief Todd Bettison apologized to the court and said department officers were expected to present themselves professionally during court proceedings.[11] Chief Judge William McConico of the 36th District Court later said that Perkins had been surprised by the incident and noted that Jackson had previously conducted himself professionally in court.[12]
In April 2026, Perkins appeared on WJBK's "The Weatherboys" podcast to discuss the virtual court proceedings that had received media attention.[13]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to the Bench". Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer. 2021-05-05. Retrieved 2026-08-29.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Lengel, Allan (2021-05-08). "Gov. Whitmer Appoints 2 Judges to Detroit's 36th District Court". Deadline Detroit. Retrieved 2026-08-28.
- ↑ "Whitmer makes appointments to 36th District Court, Montmorency County Probate Court". The Legal News. 2021-05-06. Retrieved 2026-08-29.
- ↑ "2022 Michigan Official General Candidate Listing - 11/08/2022". mi-boe.entellitrak.com. Retrieved 2026-08-29.
- ↑ "November 8, 2022 General Election – Official Results – 36th District Court" (PDF). 2022-11-08.
- ↑ Dupnack, Jessica (2025-06-09). "Detroit woman booted from Zoom court hearing after making PB&J during call". FOX 2 Detroit. FOX 2 Detroit. Retrieved 2026-08-29.
- ↑ "Detroit-area woman speaks out after viral video shows her making sandwich during virtual court hearing - CBS Detroit". www.cbsnews.com. 2025-06-09. Retrieved 2026-08-29.
- ↑ Pelisek, Christine (2025-06-12). "She Showed Up Late to Zoom Court — Then Started Making a Sandwich. The Judge Had Enough". People Magazine.
- ↑ "Detroit police officer seen without pants during virtual court hearing - CBS Detroit". www.cbsnews.com. 2025-10-29. Retrieved 2026-08-29.
- ↑ "'You got some pants on, officer?': video from Detroit virtual court hearing goes viral". The Guardian. 2025-10-30. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2026-08-29.
- ↑ Hutchinson, Samantha Sayles, Derick (2025-10-29). "No pants in court: What Detroit police said in response to pantless officer". WDIV. Retrieved 2026-08-29.
- ↑ "Detroit police officer appears at court hearing without pants". WXYZ-TV. Retrieved 2026-08-29.
- ↑ "Videos". FOX 2 Detroit. FOX 2 Detroit. 2026-04-16. Retrieved 2026-08-29.
External links
- Sean B. Perkins at the 36th District Court
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