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, 2022, it had 148 amendments. (Source: Council of State Governments)
Filters
Wisconsin Supreme Court Will Consider Voting Maps with All Justices Participating
Justice Janet Protasiewicz declined to recuse herself from a challenge to the state’s legislative maps, while Republican legislators may be stepping back from impeachment threats.
Fifty Unique, Ever-Changing State Constitutions
A new resource from the State Democracy Research Initiative makes the current text of all 50 state constitutions available and searchable on one site.
Why State Constitutions Matter on Election Day
Two new explainers examine voting rights under state constitutions and how state courts oversee ballot initiatives.
The Stakes in Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court Election
The outcome could have big implications for abortion rights, elections, and more.
State Courts Have Their Own Shadow Dockets
Expedited judicial rulings may not always be problematic in the state context.
Victims’ Rights Meet State Constitutions
The Maryland Supreme Court is considering appeals in the murder case of Adnan Syed, made famous by the “Serial” podcast.
State Judges Must Guard Their Independence
The legislative assault on state supreme courts is one of the greatest threats to our system of checks and balances.
‘Marsy’s Law’ Challenges Highlight Conflicts with Other Constitutional Rights
Decisions are expected soon from supreme courts in Wisconsin and Florida.