Wisconsin Supreme Court reprimands one of its own
Lawyer Blogs
The Wisconsin Supreme Court reprimanded one of its own Wednesday, giving Justice Annette Ziegler the lightest possible punishment for hearing cases involving a bank where her husband was a paid director.
It was the first time the state high court has taken such an action, and her colleagues could have suspended her or removed her from the bench.
Ziegler ruled in favor of West Bend Savings Bank in several cases she heard as a Washington County judge between 2001 and last year. The court said Ziegler's "serious and significant" offense diminished public confidence in the legal system.
The state's judicial code requires judges to withdraw from cases in which they have a significant financial interest that could raise questions about their impartiality.
Ziegler called her hearing of the cases an "inadvertent error."
"I appreciate that this matter is now concluded," she said in a statement. "I look forward to continuing to serve the people of Wisconsin."
Mike McCabe, director of the watchdog group Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, which filed the complaint, argued that suspension or removal from office would be more appropriate.
"The discipline will be seen by the public as nothing more than a slap on the wrist," McCabe said. "Clearly the court is operating under a cloud right now."
Ziegler, 44, began her 10-year term on the Supreme Court in August.
Related listings
-
High court backs workers in race, age bias lawsuits
Lawyer Blogs 05/28/2008[##_1L|1124393967.jpg|width="86" height="80" alt=""|_##]To the surprise of civil rights advocates, the Supreme Court on Tuesday strengthened workplace anti-discrimination laws, ruling that employees who say they were punished for complaining of bias ...
-
Tenn. man on death row despite high court ruling
Lawyer Blogs 05/28/2008Multiple sclerosis has Paul House in a wheelchair. A tenacious prosecutor has him on death row, deemed too dangerous to be released two years after the U.S. Supreme Court said he likely isn't guilty.That closely watched ruling, which made it easier f...
-
Federer improves clay-court record
Lawyer Blogs 05/27/2008Roger Federer added another win to his already burgeoning clay-court record this season.Federer improved to 16-3 on clay in 2008 by beating Sam Querrey of the United States 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 Monday in the first round of the French Open, where he is tryin...
Victorville CA DUI defense Attorneys
The outcome of a DUI defense will have a long-term effect on anyone’s life, making the decision to receive legal representation an easy one. The fact is, most people accused of a DUI are first offenders with no criminal background. Whether this is your first run in with the law or you have had previous convictions, you are in need of a DUI defense attorney.
The charges you are facing for a DUI range from fines, a 12-month suspension on your license and worst-case scenario, prison time. Your attorney will be able to analyze your situation to decide the best way to go about your case.
Our attorneys know the tricky ways to challenge all of the DUI tests and know how to claim improper collection of evidence. We will be able to negotiate on your behalf and free you from charges and help you keep your drivers license. The DUI process can last up to several months, we can make this process easier on you. .