Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Accused of Ethics Violations (Prosser)

Source: Bloomberg

David T. Prosser Jr., a Wisconsin Supreme Court justice, was accused of ethics code violations for allegedly putting his hands around the neck of Justice Ann Walsh Bradley in June prior to the court issuing a ruling on a law limiting union bargaining rights for state workers.

A special prosecutor appointed by the State Judicial Commission filed a request yesterday with the state Supreme Court for sanctions against Prosser, saying the nine-member commission found probable cause to believe he willfully violated the judicial ethics code.

Prosser allegedly violated requirements that a judge be “patient, dignified and courteous” to those involved in the court system; that they cooperate with one another and that they maintain high standards of conduct to ensure the integrity of the judiciary, according to the special prosecutor, Franklyn M. Gimbel, a Milwaukee lawyer.

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The three-judge panel will conduct a trial on the charges. The proceeding won’t be public. The panel’s findings will be sent to the state Supreme Court for a decision on sanctions. That tribunal could issue a written reprimand, censure Prosser, suspend him without pay or remove him from office. The complaint didn’t request a form of discipline.

Read more: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-03-17/wisconsin-supreme-court-justice-accused-of-ethics-violations.html




The complaint says Bradley stated that as she was directing Prosser to the door, he “put his hands around my neck as though he were going to choke me.” She indicated that Prosser’s hands were around her neck “full circle skin to skin.”

http://www.wisconsinwatch.org/2012/03/16/judicial-commission-accuses-prosser-of-ethics-violations-he-declares-innocence/