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Wisconsin Supreme Court Candidates Discuss Philosophy

January 18, 2023

Wisconsin Supreme Court Candidates Discuss Philosophy

The four candidates for an open seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court shared their judicial philosophy during a candidate forum sponsored by WisPolitics, the State Bar of Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty. Although not a debate, the candidates were able to trade a few comments that helped distinguish their individual views about serving on the state’s highest court. Waukesha County Judge Jennifer Dorow focused on her philosophy to first apply the meaning and principles of the Constitution in judicial decisions, and to prevent politics from interfering with work of the judiciary. Judge Dorow said she believed the law should be applied to the facts of the case without political or personal bias. Former Justice Dan Kelly said his judicial philosophy was focused on understanding and applying the original public meaning of the Constitution, preserving the rule of law, and not allowing politics to interfere with the decisions of the Court. Justices, according to Kelly, must ensure their conclusions are consistent with the law while setting aside their personal beliefs. Dane County Judge Everett Mitchell said his philosophy as a Judge was to be “tough but fair,” making sure the courtroom is “a place for everyone’s voice,” and that bringing politics into the courtroom puts our judicial system at risk. He believes the law can sometimes be used to oppress and demean people but can also be a force for good. Milwaukee County Judge Janet Protasiewicz said she wanted to “bring change and common sense back to our Supreme Court,” and that “I could not sit back and watch extreme right wing partisans hijack the Court.” She described the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade as the “epitome of judicial activism” and the worst Court decision of the last 30 years. The Primary Election is February 21^st. The top two candidates in the February primary will move on to the Spring Election on April 4^th.

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