Liberal Justice Janet Protasiewicz sworn into State Supreme Court

 

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Liberal Justice Janet Protasiewicz was sworn in publicly at the State Capitol on Tuesday, Aug. 1 into the Wisconsin Supreme Court to serve a 10-year term -- marking the first time in over a decade liberals will hold a majority on the court.

Protasiewicz, 60, joined the court during a ceremony at the state Capitol Tuesday at a time when the court is anticipated to weigh in on many high-profile issues, from the state's near-total abortion ban, redistricting, election laws and union rights.

Protasiewicz, who previously served as a Milwaukee County Circuit Judge and former prosecutor, defeated conservative Dan Kelly by 11-points in April. She will replace conservative Justice Patience Roggensack, moving the court to a 4-3 liberal majority.

Liberal Justice Ann Walsh Bradly administered Protasiewicz constitutional oath. 

During the campaign, Protasiwicz was outspoken about her support for women's reproductive rights and often criticized the congressional and legislative maps drawn by Republicans, known as redistricting, calling them "rigged."

She did not mention either issue in her speech but spoke about her commitment to remaining impartial on the bench. 

"Everyone one of our decisions will have real-life far-reaching consequences for the many people in this state," Protasiewicz said. "The issues that will come before this court will be complex. Manny of them deal with our most basic rights that are outlined in our constitution...I am committed to protecting our freedoms and I am committed to fairness and impartiality in our justice system." 

Weeks before joining the court, Protasiewicz reiterated in an interview with CBS 58 she will remain independent when controversial issues are presented to the court even though as her campaign and outside groups spending tens of millions on ads hyper focused on hot-button issues like abortion.

"Wisconsinites deserve to know that we are making decision based on the law and the facts before us," said Protasiewicz. "To my colleagues that are here today, I am under no illusion we will all agree but I respect each of you immensely and you have my promise to work with you to full our duties."

Democrats hope the courts new liberal majority will mean overturning the state's abortion ban and having a shot at throwing out GOP-drawn district maps that are considered to be some of the most gerrymandered maps in the county.

With abortion and redistricting expected to land before the court, conservatives have warned how those future rulings could backfire on liberals ahead of the next state Supreme Court election in 2025.

If the court takes swift action on a host of controversial issues, including Act 10 and election laws, some Republicans believe that could give their base a narrative to run on when liberal Justice Ann Walsh Bradley's term expires in two years.

“Wisconsinites should brace themselves for an era of hyper partisanship brought on by Protasiewicz and her allies as they use the courts to implement their partisan policy agenda," said Rachel Reisner, spokeswoman for the Republican Party of Wisconsin.

"Though the role of the Wisconsin Supreme Court is to interpret the laws of Wisconsin as they’re written, regardless of political beliefs, Protasiewicz has promised to put her thumb on the scales of justice and disregard the Constitution or laws on the books whenever she desires.”