Madison, Wis. (March 9, 2020) – As authorized by newly enacted legislation, Director of State Courts Randy R. Koschnick today named the four Wisconsin counties selected for new circuit court branches, effective Aug. 1, 2021.
“Based on thorough caseload analysis, demonstrated judicial need, county board support,
and the ability to have the necessary facilities and support in place by the effective date, I have selected Calumet, Dunn, Jackson, and Marathon counties,” Koschnick said. Elections for the judgeships in the selected counties will be held during the 2021 Spring Election.
“This is the beginning of the process established by the Legislature that will help the
court system address judicial need during the next three years. We are thankful to the Governor, Legislature and counties throughout the state for support and recognition of the vital role courts play in our government and our communities,” Koschnick said.
The counties selected for new judgeships are also among counties that received funding
in the 2019-21 state budget for additional assistant district attorney positions.
“This approach not only makes sense for the court system, but also for the efficiency of
operations of the justice system as a whole,” Koschnick said.
2019 Wisconsin Act 184, signed by Gov. Tony Evers on March 5, 2020, authorizes the
Director to select counties in which 12 new circuit court branches will be created during the next three years – four each in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
The Act requires the naming of the next four counties after November 14, 2020. Before
selecting any additional counties, the Director of State Courts will continue to assess factors that affect judicial workload and the ability of a county to accommodate an additional circuit court branch.
