Greg Mathis Biography

Fast Facts

• Worked in politics before eventually earning a law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy in 1987, however, he would struggle to be licensed due to his criminal past
• With the help of a family friend, he was able to gain admission to Eastern Michigan University despite his long rap sheet
• A member of a Detroit-based gang since a teenager, he would land in jail numerous times before eventually being released on probation due to his mother's deteriorating health
• Quote: "[on why he offered up to $92 worth of free gasoline to the first 92 drivers at a Detroit Mobil station] "LA didn't elect me judge․ Chicago didn't elect me judge․ Detroiters took a chance on me․ It's just the right thing to do․ And when you're blessed, you have to look out for the rest․""
• Became the youngest person ever elected to preside over Michigan's 36th District in 1995 at 35-years-old
• Launched his own arbitration-based court television show in 1999, titled "Judge Mathis"
• While working in politics, he would eventually lead Jesse Jackson's Presidential campaign during 1988
• An avid video gamer, he has stated his desire to create a game based on his life and profession
• Published his first novel, Street Judge, in 2008