Wisconsin’s conservative chief justice criticized as “unwise” a decision by the newly liberal-led Supreme Court to fire the state courts director.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court’s ideological makeup has changed for the first time in 15 years, now having a 4-3 liberal majority, with the four progressive justices moving to remove Randy Koschnick, who served as the director of the state’s court system.
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“My colleagues’ unprecedented dangerous conduct is the raw exercise of overreaching power,” Chief Justice Annette Kingsland Ziegler said in a long statement. “It is shameful. I fear this is only the beginning.”
Koschnick, who was appointed in 2017 by the previous conservative majority, spoke against the decision after Justice Jill Karofsky passed on the news that he would be removed from his position, calling the move “apparently political.”
“It’s a rogue new liberal majority running roughshod over the rule of law in Wisconsin,” Koschnick told the Cap Times on Wednesday.
Ziegler outlined a number of flaws with the removal of Koschnick, saying the verdict came “without regard for the Constitution, case law, or supreme court rules which address who can fill such a position of public trust.”
She questioned the need to expedite the firing process, writing she was unaware of any issues with Koschnick that would merit the immediate removal of him from the position.
Koschnick held the position after serving for 18 years as a judge and Ziegler credits him with resolving the court reporter shortage crisis in the Badger State.
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“We appreciate the contributions you have made to the Wisconsin Supreme Court and wish you the best in your future endeavors,” Bradley wrote on behalf of the court, dating his termination as Aug. 2.
The new liberal-leaning Justice Janet Protasiewicz was sworn into a 10-year term on Tuesday, shaking up the court that was once an ally to Republicans.
