Defending Against the Unprecedented Attack on Independent Judiciary Will Require Significant Resources
The Hannah Dugan Legal Defense Fund has been established to defend against the unprecedented attack on the independent judiciary by the federal government.
The fund will allow the significant resources needed to present an appropriate defense to this extraordinary attack on Wisconsin’s judicial branch of government to be raised. The fund has been established consistent with Wisconsin’s Code of Judicial Conduct and the State Code of Ethics. In addition, the fund has instituted stringent restrictions
regarding permissible gifts.
Judge Dugan intends to return to the bench to which she was elected. Therefore, the fund’s structure provides for stringent restrictions on contributions and strives for consistency with state law regarding permissible gifts.
The restrictions include:
● No donations from any Milwaukee County residents;
● No donations from licensed attorneys who practice in Milwaukee County;
● No donations from lobbyists/lobbying firms;
● No donations from a member of the Wisconsin judiciary;
● No donations from any parties that have any pending matters before any Milwaukee County Circuit Court;
● No donations from any Milwaukee County employees;
● Donations only from U.S. Citizens.
Because the criminal charges are unique to a member of the judiciary, and the prosecution poses a host of new questions of law, it will be critical for Judge Dugan to have the significant resources needed to defend herself and the integrity of an independent judiciary.
Judge Dugan is the target of a federal criminal indictment after being arrested at the Milwaukee County Courthouse, put in handcuffs, shackled at her ankles, and placed in a cell before appearing in court on a partial complaint.
The fund will be professionally managed by a separate entity experienced in fund management; its work will be monitored by counsel experienced in professional ethics. Janine P. Geske will oversee and serve as a trustee of the fund.
More information on the fund can be found at www.hannahdugandefensefund.org.
