This post originally appeared at https://reforminggovernment.org/court-watch-playing-politics-in-least-political-branch/
Delafield, Wis. – The Institute for Reforming Government (IRG) released another “Court Watch” primer on Tuesday, detailing how the least political branch is becoming political under a progressive majority. The primer outlines how the progressive majority is attempting to remake the courts in line with its ideology.
WHY IT MATTERS: The Wisconsin Supreme Court’s majority has set a new record low for the number of cases reviewed in a term, with just 14 decisions in its 2023-24 term. The Court had averaged around 50 in recent years–the dropoff could be credited to the dysfunction on the court and the number of complex political cases the court reviewed, especially redistricting. In other words, numerous litigants did not have their cases reviewed so the court could keep its calendar free for the accelerated pace necessary to get its redistricting decision done and implemented in time for the 2024 elections.
THE QUOTE:
“Judges wear black robes, not red or blue jerseys for a particular political team. Even though many come to the bench from a career in public service, including past elected offices, their job is to follow and apply the law fairly and impartially,” said Chris Reader, Executive Vice President of IRG. “Yet under the current liberal majority, the Wisconsin Supreme Court has become pervasively political, as the majority uses its power to enforce its agenda.”
WHAT’S NEXT: State courts impact everyday Wisconsinites’ lives and IRG’s new Court Watch initiative will lead in educating on the importance of the judicial branch.
CourtneyGustafson