Wisconsin Supreme Court justice inaugurated, flipping court control.
Justice Janet Protasiewicz Sworn In, Flipping Wisconsin Supreme Court to Democratic Control
Justice Janet Protasiewicz’s swearing-in ceremony as the latest judge on the Wisconsin Supreme Court on Tuesday marked a significant achievement for Wisconsin Democrats. For the first time in 15 years, the state Supreme Court has shifted to Democratic control.
Protasiewicz campaigned on crucial issues such as abortion rights and criticizing the Republican-drawn redistricting maps. Her victory puts an end to the conservative hold on the court, as she replaces retiring conservative Justice Pat Roggensack, who served on the court for 20 years, including six as chief justice. A Wisconsin Supreme Court justice’s term is 10 years.
Commitment to Protecting Freedoms and Ensuring Equal Justice
“We all want a Wisconsin where our freedoms are protected,” Protasiewicz emphasized during the ceremony. ”We want a Wisconsin with a fair and impartial Supreme Court. We all want to live in communities that are safe. And we all want a Wisconsin where everyone is afforded equal justice under the law.”
Under conservative leadership, the court came close to overturning President Joe Biden’s slim victory in the state in 2020. However, even without Wisconsin’s 10 electoral votes, Biden would have still secured the election with enough electoral college votes.
Anticipated Challenges and Pending Cases
Heading into the 2024 election cycle, challenges to the state’s abortion ban, Republican-drawn congressional district maps, and voting rules are expected. The court already has a pending case challenging a pre-Civil War era abortion ban, and a new lawsuit challenging the Republican-drawn congressional district maps is anticipated to be filed in the coming weeks.
Protasiewicz, a former circuit court judge, defeated her conservative opponent Dan Kelly in April. Prior to her judicial career, she spent 25 years as a prosecutor in the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office.
“All of those long hours led to an incredible opportunity to see our judicial system up close, and it allowed me to see what I believe is universal,” Protasiewicz shared on Tuesday. “And that is everyone should get a fair shot to demand justice and not feel like the thumb is on the scale against them.”
Although the court is officially considered nonpartisan, the three other “liberal” justices on the court consist of Justices Ann Walsh Bradley, Rebecca Dallet, and Jill Karofsky.
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