LANSING (AP) -- Gov. Rick Snyder has named Appeals Court Judge Brian Zahra to the Michigan Supreme Court.

Zahra will replace Justice Maura Corrigan, who is stepping down Friday to become director of the state Department of Human Services.

Zahra turned 51 on Sunday. He was appointed to the appeals court in 1999 by GOP Gov. John Engler and elected to the court in 2000 and 2006.

The Northville resident was a Wayne County Circuit Court judge from 1994-98 and an attorney and partner at the Dickinson Wright law firm from 1989-94.

Snyder made the announcement at a news conference Monday morning.

The appointment means the court will keep its 4-3 Republican majority. The move gives Snyder a chance to put his mark on the Supreme Court within days of taking office.

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