Ann Walsh Bradley

Act 10 Still Divides the Capitol

Leaders who passed it all gone, state Supreme Court mostly different, as battle renewed.

Former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice David Prosser Dies

Prosser served nearly 2 decades on high court after 18 years as a legislator.

Dane County Judge Overrules 60 Sections of Act 10

Decision largely invalidates 2011 Walker-era law decimating public unions.

Wausau Mayor Removes Ballot Drop Box, Sparks Outrage

State law gives municipal clerks, not mayors, authority to make decisions about drop boxes

Brookfield, New Berlin Ban Ballot Drop Boxes

Use of secured drop boxes increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, as did politicization of the practice.

Why Absentee Ballot Drop Boxes Are Now Legal

The explanation begins with a highly unusual 2022 Wisconsin Supreme Court decision.

The Imperial Legislature Is Shot Down

6-1 decision by Wisconsin Supreme Court a surprise. What does it tell us about the court?

Wisconsin Supreme Court Restores Ballot Drop Box Access

Decision reverses a 2022 ruling, restores use of unmanned boxes to return absentee ballots.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Accepts Abortion Rights Cases

Both would advance abortion rights. Justices already bickering about cases.

Feuding Supreme Court Justices Need a Break

Will a summer vacation cool tempers of three conservatives vs four liberals?

Wisconsin Supreme Court Drops Prosser, Renames Law Library for State’s First Female Attorney

Conservative justice Rebecca Bradley calls move “petty.”

All 4 Liberal Justices Back Crawford’s Wisconsin Supreme Court Campaign

Endorsing just 2 days after Dane County Judge Susan Crawford announces her candidacy.

Dane County Judge Susan Crawford Will Run for Wisconsin Supreme Court

Seeks to maintain court's 4-3 liberal majority after Justice Ann Walsh Bradley retires.

Brad Schimel Is Mr. Anti-Abortion

Conservative candidate for state Supreme Court a national leader in pushing to ban abortions.

State Supreme Court Upholds Milwaukee Cop’s Firing Over Facebook Posts

Former officer Erik Andrade's posts mocked 2018 arrest of Bucks player Sterling Brown.

State High Court Maintains Law Against Unmarried Adoptions

Unmarried people cannot adopt the children of their partners, majority rules.

Liberal Supreme Court Justice Ann Walsh Bradley Won’t Seek Reelection

Surprise announcement heightens stakes for spring 2025 election.

Gov. Evers Releases Statement Regarding Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Ann Walsh Bradley’s Announcement

State Supreme Court Dismisses Amazon Claim That Drivers Aren’t Employees

Decision means delivery giant owes more than $200,000 in unemployment taxes.

Wisconsin’s Very Own Rudy Giuliani Should Not Oversee Judicial Ethics

How did Jim Troupis, a leader in fake Republican elector scheme, get reappointed?

Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules Against Unemployment Tax Exemption For Catholic Organization

Religious groups said they will appeal the ruling to U.S. Supreme Court

Wisconsin Supreme Court Changes Procedures To Speed Up Cases

The changes were made quietly last month with objections from conservative justices.

The State Supreme Court Minority’s View of Gerrymandering

226 pages of dissent that ignore key facts and data.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Throws Out Republican-Drawn Legislative Maps

But now comes the challenge of creating new maps. Court first gives task to Governor, Legislature.

Will Women Vote for Brad Schimel?

Former Attorney General a formidable candidate for state Supreme Court. Except for a couple issues.

State Supreme Court Hears Arguments on ‘Gig Workers’

Should Amazon delivery drivers be treated as employees, earn unemployment aid?

New Act 10 Lawsuit Puts Renewed Focus On Protasiewicz

New Supreme Court judge previously said she disagreed with prior rulings on 2011 law.

Schimel Could Be Potent Supreme Court Candidate

He's run up big election totals in key counties and statewide running for attorney general.

Assembly Bill Would Allow Milwaukee, Other Cities To Count Absentee Ballots Early

Day-before processing seeks to end late night results.

In Defense of Gerrymandering

How the Supreme Court minority defends its objection to 'Fair maps!'.

Why Protasiewicz Decided Not to Recuse

Her 47-page decision makes strong argument against any justice recusing.

The Legal Trickery of Robin Vos

Using every pseudo-legal tactic to fight fair maps and muzzle Justice Protasiewicz.

What’s Next for Kelli Thompson?

The head of state public defender's office, now retiring, getting mentioned as possible state Supreme Court candidate.

State Supreme Court Emails Show Chaotic First Week of Liberal Control

Documents offer portrait of a court at war with itself.

Who Are State Supreme Court’s ‘Rogue Members’?

Ziegler and conservatives have ignored state Constitution in governance dispute.

New Court Majority Changes Target Chief Justice Ziegler

Is it revenge for conservatives' past overthrow of Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson?

Conservative Chief Justice Annette Ziegler Accuses Liberal Majority of Going ‘Rogue’

Claims state Supreme Court liberal majority of holding a 'secret' meeting. Majority says all justices were invited.

Now Liberal Wisconsin Supreme Court Fires Administrator

Randy Koschnick, hired in 2017, previously ran for court as conservative candidate.

Justice Janet Protasiewicz Sworn In, Giving Liberals Control of Supreme Court

Wisconsin court's ideological persuasion flips for first time in 15 years.

Do Act 12 Mandates Violate State Constitution?

Legislation enabling Milwaukee sales tax included restrictions that could be challenged.

How Evers Can Change Budget With Partial Vetoes

He could veto top tax bracket cut. He could also veto entire budget bill.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Won’t Order Use of Ivermectin for COVID-19

Aurora doctors refused to administer the deworming drug, triggering lawsuit.

Will State Supreme Court Cool Its Ideological Rancor?

As of August 1, its hostility toward experts and democracy won't fly.

This Is First Liberal Wisconsin Supreme Court In Living Memory

Media says court was liberal 15 years ago. Dead wrong. This is a radical change.

Collegiality a Casualty in Supreme Court Election?

Current court members were active in election, could intensify rancor between judges.

17 Election Winners and Losers

Beyond the election results, who were the other people, groups and trends that won or lost?

Janet Protasiewicz Defeats Kelly, Flips Supreme Court For Liberals

Her win creates liberal majority on Wisconsin's high court for first time in 15 years.

Is Democracy at Stake in Supreme Court Race?

A conservative majority seems set on restricting voting rights.

What Kind of Justice Would Daniel Kelly Be?

He left a clear track record during his four years on state Supreme Court.

Trump Recount Attorney Reappointed To Wisconsin Judicial Conduct Committee

Jim Troupis advised Trump on fake electors' shame.

Protasiewicz, Kelly To Face Off In High-Stakes Supreme Court Race

Jennifer Dorow falls to Kelly in hotly-contested race between conservatives.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules Against “Dark Store Loophole”

With no dissent, court rules against big-box retailers' tax reduction strategy.

Protasiewicz campaign raises $2 million, more than any spring primary candidate in state history

Justice Ann Walsh Bradley endorses Judge Janet Protasiewicz for Wisconsin Supreme Court

How State Supreme Court Races Got So Partisan

Outside groups spent $27,000 on 2003 race. By 2020 that rose to $5 million.

Can State Be Redistricted Again?

State Supreme Court race could change majority view on one of worst gerrymanders in the nation.

State Supreme Court At War With Itself

Nasty divide caused by rage of Rebecca Bradley.

Do Absentee Drop Boxes Lead To Tyranny?

So claims state Supreme Court in 122 pages of overheated rhetoric.

State Supreme Court Rules Ballot Drop Boxes Illegal

Under ruling, voters must personally return absentee ballots that are taken to local clerk's office.

State Supreme Court Ruling Reinforces Gerrymandering

Letting Prehn stay on DNR board overrides the will of all voters in the state.

State High Court Rules Accused Mayfair Mall Shooter, 17, Be Tried As Adult

4-3 Supreme Court decision overrules circuit court on teenage boy.

State Supreme Court Sets Record For 4-3 Rulings

Most this term in 70 years, with Hagedorn almost always the deciding vote.

High Court Okays Release of COVID-19 Workplace Data

Health officials can identify employers having outbreaks, WI Supreme Court rules.

State High Court’s Hyper-Partisan Ruling

Its decision approves gerrymandered maps even worse than those of last decade.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Picks Republican-Drawn Maps

Ruling gives Republicans chance at veto-proof majority, reverses earlier decision to pick Evers' maps.

State’s Gerrymander Could Last Forever

If state high court’s ‘least change’ rule followed in future, gerrymandering might last for decades.

US Supreme Court Throws State Election Into Chaos

Decision on Wisconsin maps part of national Republican push to undermine democracy.

How Gerrymandered Is New State Map?

Let’s measure how the two parties will fare under maps approved by state Supreme Court.

State Supreme Court Hears Natural Resources Board Case

Former chair Fred Prehn refuses to vacate his seat on the board.

Supreme Court Shows Ugly Divisions

State high court's redistricting decision prompts nasty attacks on Hagedorn by three other conservatives.

Supreme Court Upholds Brown County Sales Tax

Conservative group sued, arguing tax could only fund property tax relief.

Supreme Court Rules Against Drop Boxes

570 absentee drop boxes used in 66 counties barred by state high court beginning with April election.

State High Court Allows Absentee Ballot Boxes For February Primary

Hagedorn joins liberal justices. Court also agrees to hear expedited appeal of the case.

Will 10 Years of Gerrymandering End?

The data shows huge advantage for Republicans. Will courts allow this to continue?

State High Court Declines to Block Mask Mandate

Won’t bypass lower courts, as asked, to overrule Dane County mask order.

Big Money Is Taking Over the Courts

Wealthy, right-wing interests are assaulting the integrity of the judiciary.

State Supreme Court Upholds DNR Water Authority

DNR can place restrictions on high capacity wells, large livestock farms to protect water.

Supreme Court Unexpectedly Fires Chief Appeals Judge

Progressive justices object to unprecedented move by the state's high court.

High Court Ruling Restricts Expungements

Decision puts expungement of criminal records “further out of the reach," dissent charges.

Court Tosses Law Allowing Blood Draws From Unconscious Drunk Driver Suspects

WI Supreme Court rules law deeming drivers consent to these searches is unconstitutional.

State High Court Upholds Gun Conviction

But Justice Rebecca Bradley dissents, defending right to get drunk and carry firearms.

Let the Crowds In

Highlights from state Supreme Court ruling overthrowing state order on bar and restaurant capacity limits.

Court Kills Another Evers Pandemic Order

4-3 State Supreme Court ruling overthrows October order limiting restaurant and bar capacity.

WILL’s Harvard Lawyers Fail at Voter Purge

Supreme Court decision strikes down voter suppression effort, rejects conservative group's weak argument.

State Supreme Court Tosses Voter Purge Suit

Conservative group wanted voters that may have moved purged from the voter roll.

GOP Governors Have Higher COVID-19 Rates

More cases, more deaths per capita in states run by Republicans.

Why Court Voided Evers Emergency Order

Highlights of the Supreme Court ruling — and the dissent.

State Supreme Court Overrules Evers’ Emergency Powers

Decision says governor needs legislative approval to extend health emergency.

State Must Release Sex Offender Data

Supreme Court rules for defense lawyer who argues DOC has overstated how often offenders commit future crimes.

High Court Minority Embarrasses Itself

State Supreme Court came perilously close to invalidating a legal election.

Supreme Court Denies Trump’s Wisconsin Election Lawsuit

Lawsuit targeted 220,000 absentee ballots in Milwaukee and Dane counties.

High Court Upholds Gun Possession Ban for Felons

But state research used to push for this criticized in Supreme Court decision.

Trump Asks U.S. Supreme Court to Overturn Wisconsin’s Election

Trump campaign petitions court to take up suit challenging state's election results

Shirley Abrahamson Dies at Age 87

She was first woman and longest serving justice on Wisconsin Supreme Court.

WI Supreme Court Hears Challenge to Latest COVID-19 Order

The suit challenges a statewide restriction on bar, restaurant capacity that already expired.

State Supreme Court Justices Unmasked

The losing minority in Trump election case vent their anger and reveal their prejudices.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump Case

4-3 vote rejects Trump's move to throw out 220,000 Milwaukee and Dane county ballots.

Trump Sues Again, This Time in Milwaukee and Dane Counties

Trump campaign now has three suits pending to overturn Wisconsin's election.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Won’t Hear Trump Lawsuit

Trump still has a federal court challenge pending.

State Supreme Court Gets ‘F’ For Ethics

Its recusal rule was written by groups the court is supposed to oversee.

State Supreme Court Won’t Hear COVID-19 Capacity Case

The high court refused a petition by the governor to hear case on order limiting public gathering.

WI Supreme Court Sows Confusion After Declining Ballot Error Case

Outagamie and Calumet county election officials uncertain what to do with misprinted ballots

Supreme Court Shows Its Colors

What the Green Party ruling tells about the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

Local Health Officials Stripped of Power?

State Supreme Court’s Dane County ruling could threaten longstanding power of all local health officials, expert believes.

State Supreme Court Is Radically Activist

Record shows many examples of grabbing cases before lower courts rule.

Jill Karofsky Sworn Into Wisconsin Supreme Court

She was sworn in after running 35 miles of a 100-mile ultramarathon.

Court Rulings Against Evers Sow Confusion

Supreme Court overrules vetoes and health orders with vague language offering no guidance.

Justice Hagedorn Surprises Observers

Supreme Court justice seems like a true conservative, not a right-wing activist.

Ruling Limits Involuntary Medication of Inmates

WI Supreme Court says prisoners can’t be forcibly medicated unless they are dangerous.

Supreme Court Strikes Down “Safer at Home”

Decision goes into effect immediately. Milwaukee's order remains in effect.

Justice Suggests Evers’ Order Is ‘Tyranny’

State Supreme Court justices compare safer-at-home order to Japanese internment camps.

Special Interests Battle on High Court Case

Koch and WMC filings push Supreme Court to stop Evers state shutdown, liberal groups disagree.

Why Was Election in Pandemic Required?

So ruled both the Wisconsin and U.S. Supreme Court. Let’s examine their reasoning.

Supreme Court Reinstates Election, Overrules Evers

April 7th in-person election will occur as scheduled says court.

Justice Ann Walsh Bradley endorses Jill Karofsky for Wisconsin Supreme Court

The Myth of Nonpartisan Judicial Elections

They could hardly be more partisan. Time to rethink how we elect Supreme Court members?

High Court Weakens Suspect Line-Up Rules

Roggensack decision allows police to use single-person showups rather than multi-person lineups.

Dan Kelly: Applying the Law as His Campaign Contributors Wish It To Be

Kelly’s Right-Wing Activism Includes Overturning Court Precedent to Side With Donors

State Supreme Court Reviews Lame Duck Laws

Justices question both sides in challenge to laws reducing powers of governor, attorney general.

Judge Rachel Graham Announce Campaign to Retain Her Seat on the Wisconsin Court of Appeals

Her campaign has been endorsed by four current and former Supreme Court Justices

Shirley Abrahamson Steps Down

Her legacy saluted by liberal Ruth Bader Ginsberg and conservative Diane Sykes.

What Price Justice, Dan Kelly?

Sitting Court Justice Took Campaign Contributions from Board Members of Group Representing Plaintiffs While Deciding Their Case

Dan Kelly Warns Wisconsin to Beware of Justice Dan Kelly

Right-Wing Justice Warns of Judges Bringing Policy Preferences to the Bench, After He Puts His Policy Preference to Work on State High Court

State Supreme Court Off the Deep End?

Ruling reducing state superintendent’s power violates state constitution, common sense.

State High Court Sides With Big Donor

Overrules appeals court, favoring Enbridge Co. and WMC, which donated millions to justices.

Mum’s The Word For Justice Abrahamson

For 43 years she said nothing about Legislature’s “illegitimate” sessions. Until now.

High Court Says Governor Rules Over Schools

Conservative majority’s decision says elected state superintendent must get governor’s approval for rule changes.

State Supreme Court Upholds Lame-Duck Laws

The conservative majority not persuaded by arguments that extraordinary session was unconstitutional.

Conservatives Argue Against Lame-Duck Lawsuit

Right-leaning members of Wisconsin Supreme Court skeptical in oral arguments on lawsuit challenging lame-duck session before Evers took office.

Supreme Court Restores Lame Duck Appointees

State high court rules 4-3 that all 82 Walker appointees can return to work.

The Rise of Federalist Society Judges

Nationally and in Wisconsin they have become activists and super legislators.

McAdams Decision Is a Travesty

Cyber-bullying was championed by state Supreme Court, while trashing faculty governance.

High Court Sticks It To Milwaukee

Roggensack’s political decision gives police and fire unions more power over pension fund.

High Court Favors Donors to Justices

Conservative justices decide malpractice case in favor of business groups who gave them $37,000.

High Court Backs Evers Over Walker

Evers can hire his own attorney in legal battle rather than AG Schimel, as Walker insisted.

Don’t Chip Away at Open Records Law

Access to public information should not be limited based on who's requesting it.

Abrahamson’s Career from Dominator to Dissenter

Justice Shirley Abrahamson who joined the high court in 1976 and led the court for years, won't be running for another term.

Offense At Age Nine a Felony?

State high court approves adult felony charge though offender then said to be eight or nine.

What Do Voters Want from Justices?

Screnock’s defeat suggests they want integrity, not a Supreme Court bought by special interests.

7 Election Takeaways

What did we learn as the blue wave washed over Wisconsin?

Dallet Would Make History If Elected

6 of 7 state Supreme Court members would be women, highest percentage in American history.

Supreme Court Rewrites Flowage Property Rights

Restricts ability to build piers. Dissenting judges say it’s an issue for legislators.

Justice Ann Walsh Bradley Endorses Rebecca Dallet for Wisconsin Supreme Court

"It is a true honor to earn the endorsement of Justice Ann Walsh Bradley."

Justices Differ on Right to Lawyer

High Court majority sides with police, who say suspect waived right, dissent calls that a "fantasy.”

Wisconsin’s “Fall From Grace”

Insider article by Judge Lynn Adelman reveals how key decision transformed state.

State High Court Restricts Open Records

Ruling makes it harder for unions to determine who has voted in elections.

Voter’s Choice, Burns vs. Dallet

Two Supreme Court candidates answer questions, but Screnock declines.

High Court Gives Prosecutors More Power

State Supreme Court overrules statute and high court ruling previously cited 168 times.

Court Ruling Weakens Whistleblower Law

Supreme Court justice called 2015 decision 'absurd,’ charging it weakens protections.

State One of Worst for Whistle Blowers

GOP’s repeal of False Claims Act a “green light” to steal from taxpayers?

High Court Buries Recusal Decision

Rejection of recusal petition by 50 judges quietly released on July 4th weekend.

High Court Wrongly Rejects Recusal

Dumps proposal by 54 retired judges, assures big money influence.

Is Wisconsin Now a Red State?

With Ziegler victory, Democrats' decline, state now looks very red.

Turnout Information for April 4 Spring Election

Wisconsin currently has 3,708,673 registered voters.

Pat Roggensack On the Warpath

Supreme Court chief justice slams Journal Sentinel, Janine Geske, and others.

54 Judges’ Powerful Case for Recusal

Their petition lays bare the problem. State Supreme Court hasn’t responded.

Evers Leads In Superintendent Race’s Cash

Incumbent has about $117,000, two challengers together raised $36,000.

Why Ziegler Has No Opponent

Overwhelming dark money advantage and Democratic fatigue are factors.

Supreme Court Rules Against Open Records

Conservative majority exempts Schimel’s training videos from disclosure.

Supreme Court Limits 4th Amendment Rights?

Decision gives police leeway on home searches; Justice Bradley joins liberals in dissent.

AG Schimel Attacks Open Records Law

He is appealing to the Wisconsin Supreme Court in an effort to keep two law enforcement training videos secret.

State High Court Rules On Crime Predictor

Supreme Court says warning labels needed for COMPAS scores rating defendants' risk of future crime.

The Radical State Supreme Court?

Three cases reveal the court overruling precedent while claiming it isn’t.

Are Conservative Groups Hiding Campaign Spending?

Anti-Kloppenburg ads could be funded by Wisconsin Manufacturers and Club for Growth

The Tragedy of David Prosser

Recusal ruling adds to his image as the symbol of a dysfunctional Supreme Court.

The Meaning of Judge Bradley’s Victory

She carried more assembly districts than Obama or Mary Burke. Are there lessons for Democrats and the GOP in her victory?

Shirley Abrahamson Against the World

Chief Justice’s fight against a constitutional change to demote her is a minor issue. So why such a juicy battle involving so many conservatives?

Will Voters End Era of “Shirley’s Court”?

Shirley Abrahamson has been chief justice for 19 years, but controversial referendum question could end her reign.

John Doe Supported by Many Republicans

Supreme Court candidate James Daley was among many GOP judges and prosecutors involved in alleged "partisan witch hunt."

Are Abrahamson’s Days as Chief Justice Numbered?

Constitutional amendment on April referendum would result in her being replaced as chief justice. Even if it fails, her salary will be reduced.

Can Daley Beat Bradley for Supreme Court?

Challenger could get lots of right-wing money, but that may not be enough in this case.

High Court Candidates Blast Each Other

Challenger James Daley calls incumbent Supreme Court Justice Ann Walsh Bradley a liberal, while she cites Republican Party functions he attends.

Supreme Court rivals’ views posted by taxpayer group

Justice Ann Walsh Bradley and challenger Judge James P. Daley provide their "letters of application" for the high court

Justice Bradley Has Republican-Leaning Challenger

April election pits 20-year liberal incumbent against circuit court judge getting Republican Party support.

Supreme Court Justices for Sale

There may be no supreme court in America that’s more corrupted by conflicts of interest.

Lobbyists Spent $57.5 Million on 2013-’14 Legislative Session

That's about $150,000 for each of the 380 bills that became law.

Making Sense of John Doe II

A guide to all the players, issues and judges' rulings.

Crystal Ball for 2014

25 predictions that are certain (well, maybe) to come true this year.

Christmas Gifts for Your Favorite Politician

Here are some last-minute gift ideas for a few Wisconsin pols.

Supreme Court Decisions Favor Lawyers Who Donate

Study shows justices don't recuse in 98% of cases involving attorneys and Abrahamson gets the most money.

More Power for Pat?

Roggensack’s reelection solidifies her power and that of the conservative bloc she often leads.

Winners and Losers

It was a good election for Scott Walker and conservatives but there were some bright spots for liberals.

Can Fallone Beat Roggensack?

Pat Roggensack leads the Supreme Court's conservative bloc and may be its most powerful justice. Ed Fallone blames a "dysfunctional court" on her.