Wisconsin’s Chief Justice accuses liberal justices of staging a coup and undermining the Constitution.
The Battle for Wisconsin’s Supreme Court
The chief justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court has accused its liberal justices of staging ”an unprecedented coup” and undermining the state’s constitution. This clash comes just before a crucial term that could determine the fate of voter integrity measures and abortion laws.
Chief Justice Annette Ziegler’s Strong Words
Chief Justice Annette Ziegler condemned the actions of the new liberal 4-3 court majority, particularly their decision to remove a longstanding court director. The liberal justices swiftly fired Randy Koschnick as soon as he switched sides earlier this month. Koschnick held the position of the top non-judicial officer in the state court system.
In an email obtained by the Associated Press, Ziegler expressed her frustration, stating, “You are making a mess of the judiciary, the court, and the institution for years to come. This must stop… I have no confidence in the recent hostile takeover and the chaotic effect it has had on the court, staff, and the overall stable functioning of the courts.”
Ziegler’s emails were sent to the other six justices and interim state court director Audrey Skwierawsk, who was handpicked by the liberal judges. According to Wisconsin law, the court director is supposed to “be hired by and serve at the pleasure of the supreme court, under the direction of the chief justice.”
Ziegler also accused Skwierawsk of signing court orders in her name without authorization. “It has come to my attention that you have been signing my reserve judge orders without my knowledge or approval,” Ziegler wrote. “You never asked me for permission. You do not have my permission. Stop. These orders are in my name. You have no lawful authority to sign them. If you have signed anything else under my name, please advise immediately.”
Furthermore, the liberal judges attempted to shift judicial work away from Ziegler and onto a committee, a move that she believes undermines the court’s integrity.
Ziegler concluded her email by stating, “Again, I will not condone such lawless destruction of the constitution, the judiciary, or the court. This is nothing short of an unprecedented coup. For 40 years, the role of the Chief Justice has been understood and respected. Your short-term goals will cause long-term, irreparable damage to the judiciary. What a historical disgrace.”
Divided Opinions
Judge Rebecca Dallet defended the actions of the liberal justices, stating that they were simply fulfilling their constitutional duties. “We are simply creating a process so that a majority of the court can effectively work in the face of an intransigent and uncollegial chief who apparently insists on a public debate about issues for political purposes, rather than allow a court majority to function as it always has,” Dallet argued.
This clash between the justices comes after liberal Judge Janet Protasiewicz defeated conservative-backed candidate Dan Kelly in April, resulting in a shift of control to the liberal judges for the first time in 15 years.
Protasiewicz received support from left-wing billionaire George Soros, Illinois Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker, and several celebrities, including actor Mark Ruffalo and director Steven Spielberg. The total spending in the race exceeded $40 million, a staggering amount compared to previous years.
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