On Thursday, January 30, 2025, 620 WTMJ reported that Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Brian Hagedorn announced his recusal from the court’s proceedings concerning Act 10. In a formal statement, Hagedorn cited his previous position as legal counsel to former Governor Scott Walker as a conflict that would hinder his ability to remain “independent and impartial” in the case.
Hagedorn emphasized the judiciary’s commitment to impartiality, stating, “Members of the judiciary take a solemn oath to be independent and impartial. Our duty is to call it straight in every case, with neither partiality nor prejudice toward anyone.” His decision follows a ruling by Dane County Circuit Court Judge David Frost in July 2024, which found that certain provisions of Act 10 infringed upon the state’s equal protection clause. This ruling was upheld in December 2024.
Act 10, enacted in 2011 under Governor Walker, significantly restricted collective bargaining rights for some public sector employees. Before becoming a Supreme Court Justice, Hagedorn served as Walker’s chief legal counsel from 2010 to 2015 and was instrumental in drafting the law.
Hagedorn’s recusal also comes amid calls from Republican lawmakers for Justice Janet Protasiewicz to follow suit, as she has publicly criticized Act 10 since its introduction over a decade ago.
Source: 620 WTMJ
