MADISON, Wis. (WTAQ) - State Supreme Court Justice Patrick Crooks asked legislators Thursday to clarify ethics laws, so a case against Justice Michael Gableman can be revived.
Earlier this summer, the Supreme Court reached a 3-3 deadlock on whether Gableman broke an ethics rule in a TV ad during his 2008 election campaign. And because there was no majority, the matter was dropped.
But Crooks told the Legislature’s Special Committee on Judicial Discipline that cases should not remain deadlocked. And as far as he’s concerned, the matter is not dismissed. Crooks said the Legislature should bring clarity to the situation.
But Milwaukee Assembly Democrat Fred Kessler said any such move would affect future cases – and not old ones like Gableman’s. Crooks disagreed, saying the case was technically suspended. But committee member and Waukesha circuit judge Mac Davis said Crooks’ position, “offends my sense of fairness.”
And Senate Republican Glenn Grothman of West Bend said it’s wrong to change the rules after a proceeding is over. And Grothman said it’s “shocking” that a Supreme Court justice would feel that way. Crooks was among the 3 justices who wanted Gableman to stand trial on his ethics allegation. Three other justices said Gableman did nothing wrong.
