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)
Filters
Judicial Ethics and Discipline in the States
Before the U.S. Supreme Court adopted of a code of conduct last month, it was the only court in the country without one.
Florida Supreme Court Rules Marsy’s Law Does Not Bar Release of Police Names After Shootings
Fifty Unique, Ever-Changing State Constitutions
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
State Courts Have Their Own Shadow Dockets
Victims’ Rights Meet State Constitutions
State Judges Must Guard Their Independence