Progressive majority reshapes internal court governance to cement its control of the judicial branch
Delafield, Wis. – The Institute for Reforming Government’s Court Watch issued the following statement after the Wisconsin Supreme Court quietly issued a new court management order just days before the Thanksgiving holiday. The order finalizes a series of changes that consolidate significant administrative authority in the hands of the Court’s progressive majority.
The new majority previously amended the rules to create an administrative committee meant to strip Chief Justice Annette Ziegler of her administrative responsibilities. Just before the holiday, the progressive majority again amended its rules to, among other things, restore the traditional role of chief justice, now held by liberal Jill Karofsky. Read more from Caleb Gerbitz at the Appellate Approach.
THE QUOTE:
“The progressive majority’s willingness to steamroll longstanding institutional practices is sadly reminiscent of its disrespect for recent judicial precedents,” said Jake Curtis, IRG Legal Counsel. “With no one to hold the progressive majority accountable, they are making it clear they will consolidate all available power to serve their ends.”
WHY IT MATTERS:
The Court’s internal rules determine how cases are managed, how authority is allocated, and how the people’s business is carried out. Sudden changes to concentrate its own unchecked power raise concerns about political motives and where this court may be headed next.
WHAT’S NEXT:
As the majority signals a willingness to reshape both procedure and precedent, Court Watch will continue monitoring all developments related to court management, administrative authority, and decision-making.
