Wisconsin

Wisconsin Supreme Court
Election(Nonpartisan)
7 Justices
10 year terms
State High Court Judicial Selection Process Legal Authority
General

  • Justices are elected during a spring election.
  • If there are two or more candidates, a nonpartisan primary election is held.
  • The two candidates receiving the highest number of votes are place on the general election ballot in the spring.
  • The candidate who receives the highest number of votes is elected to the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

Interim Vacancies

  • When a vacancy occurs in the office of justice of the supreme court or judge of any court of record, the vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the Governor, which shall continue until a successor is elected and qualified. There shall be no election for a justice or judge at the partisan general election for state or county officers, nor within 30 days either before or after such election.

    Docket Watch

  • Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules Plaintiffs Entitled to Receive “Phantom Damages”

    In a recent decision, the Wisconsin Supreme Court has added to the growing list of cases that allow plaintiffs to recover “phantom damages” in personal injury actions for past medical expenses that were written off by the medical provider and never paid by the plaintiff or his or her insurer.

  • Gay Marriage Update: New England, Iowa, Wisconsin, and California

    Litigation regarding gay marriage and other gay rights issues continues throughout the several states, and it is increasingly likely that the Supreme Court of the United States will rule on whether the United States Constitution guarantees a right to gay marriage. This article, a synopsis of the status of gay marriage in various states, analyzes recent court decisions in hopes of illuminating the relevant legal arguments. This article also highlights the most well-organized efforts and key players in the campaigns to legalize gay marriage at the state level.

  • Judicial Election

    Judges are elected by popular vote.

  • Democratic Appointment

    Judges are appointed directly by a democratic body, or appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of some democratic body.