Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s highest court is the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The court has six associate justices and one chief justice, who is chosen by members of the court to serve a two-year term. (Source: Wisconsin Constitution)
Judicial Selection
Justices run for a 10-year term on the Wisconsin Supreme Court in nonpartisan elections, and they can seek additional terms through nonpartisan elections. To fill an interim vacancy, the governor appoints a candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission, but the governor is not required to select a candidate from the list. The appointed justice holds office until Wisconsin’s next spring election when no other justice is to be elected. If the vacancy occurs between December 1 and the date of the spring election, the appointed justice stands for election in the second succeeding spring election (or later if another justice is to be elected) instead. There are no term limits, nor is there a mandatory retirement age.
State Constitution
Wisconsin’s first and only constitution was adopted in 1848. As of January 1, 2024, it had 150 amendments. (Source: John Dinan, 2024)
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Wisconsin Justices Appear Hostile to 175-Year-Old Abortion Law
The dispute over whether the 1849 law bans nearly all abortions in the state is a sign of a “world gone mad,” one justice said.
Voters Across the Country Amend Their Constitutions
Through ballot measures, voters expressed policy preferences on issues including abortion, drug legalization, and same-sex marriage.
What Litigation After the 2020 Election Can Tell Us About 2024
Efforts to disqualify mail-in ballots and unfounded allegations of voter fraud dominated post-election litigation in 2020. Similar efforts are possible this month.
A Rallying Cry Against Lockstepping
When state supreme courts peg their constitutions to federal interpretations, they erode the rule of law, undermine federalism, and limit rights protection.
How Elections Are Certified in Battleground States
State laws require officials to certify results, and safeguards are in place should someone fail to fulfill that obligation.
State Justices Speak Out Against Originalism
State supreme courts are increasingly a venue for debate over history’s role in constitutional interpretation.
State Court Oral Arguments to Watch for in October
Issues on the dockets include mail-in voting, line-item vetoes, and life-without-parole sentences.
To Prevent Chaos and Confusion, Judges Must Prepare for Election Emergencies
In advance of the election, judges should educate themselves on election administration and develop emergency response procedures that will enable creation of effective remedies.