Wisconsin Supreme Court to have committee study recusal rules

The Wisconsin Supreme Court voted to establish a committee to study and assess the state’s recusal rules for judges and justices, following a public hearing and open conference on a petition from retired judges. The existing rules, adopted in 2010 and influenced by lobbying groups Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce and Wisconsin Realtors Association, have faced criticism over conflicts of interest in high-profile cases. Conservative justices, including Rebecca Bradley and Brian Hagedorn, expressed skepticism about the committee’s effectiveness, while retired Judge Richard Niess emphasized the need for a thorough evaluation of potential reforms.