FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 7, 2017

Governor Mary Fallin Appoints Michael Tupper as a Cleveland County District Judge

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced the appointment of Cleveland County Special Judge Michael Tupper to fill the district judge vacancy in District 21, which includes Cleveland, Garvin and McClain counties. He is replacing District Judge Tracy Schumacher, who resigned.

Tupper’s appointment is effective immediately.

Tupper, of Norman, has served since 2009 as special judge in Cleveland County. He also presides over Cleveland County’s drug court.

Before serving as special judge, Tupper worked as an associate attorney in a private law firm and worked eight years as an assistant district attorney in the Cleveland County district attorney’s office.

“Judge Michael Tupper is very knowledgeable in legal matters and has effectively and efficiently administered a diverse high-volume caseload in the state’s third-largest jurisdiction,” said Fallin. “He attends all drug court staffing meetings, where he personally reviews each participant’s compliance, and the Cleveland County Adult Drug Court program is one of the best in the state. He has integrity and a fierce commitment to the rule of law.”

Tupper earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Oklahoma State University and a juris doctorate from the University of Oklahoma College of Law.

“I appreciate Governor Fallin’s confidence in me to serve as a Cleveland County district court judge,” Tupper said. “As a special judge I have prided myself in being a fair, level-headed, consistent, approachable judge who cares intimately about the parties and issues entering my courtroom.  A district judge serves an incredibly important role in the administration of justice and presides over issues affecting virtually all aspects of citizens' lives.  This is not a responsibility I take lightly.  As a district judge, I want to enhance my role in assisting citizens solve their problems and resolve their legal conflicts. Simply stated, it is the honor of my lifetime to serve the citizens of Cleveland County as their next district judge.”

Tupper is active in the Cleveland County Bar Association and is a member of Norman Next, a young professional’s organization of Norman. He also serves on the Salvation Army Citizens Advisory Council and as a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Tupper and his wife, Jennifer, reside in Norman with their son, Benjamin, and twin daughters, Kennedy and Karsyn.

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Cleveland County Special Judge Michael Tupper