A Michigan judge says book sales don’t count as reportable income. A legal expert says otherwise.

Judge Mark Boonstra of the Michigan Court of Appeals has claimed that his book sales and subscription revenue from his Substack should not be considered reportable outside income, despite having earned a substantial amount over the years. This stance has sparked debate among legal experts, who argue that such income should indeed be reported, raising questions about transparency and ethical guidelines for judges. The situation underscores the broader issue of judicial accountability and the potential conflicts of interest that arise when public officials engage in private commercial ventures.