The state Supreme Court will decide whether to hear Annette Ziegler's case, after a state Ethics Board legal brief revealed the board will delay its hearing until the Supreme Courts decide if the board has judicial power.
In April, Ziegler's request to block the Ethics Board from pursuing a case was denied. If the state Supreme Court hears the case, it would be the first time the Court would have to rule on a member.
The Ethics Board alleged Ziegler violated state laws prohibiting officials from acting in cases where they or their family have ""substantial financial interest."" Ziegler ruled in cases involving a West Bend bank, where her husband was a member of the board of directors.
Wisconsin statues ""provide the means for assuring litigants their constitutional right to have their cases heard by an unbiased judge."" The Ethics Board is not permitted to discipline or remove a judge from office and can only fine Ziegler up to $5,000 per violation. This leaves the state Supreme Court with the ultimate decision to hear Zielger's case, according to the legal brief.
Additionally, the People's Legislature rallied outside the state Supreme Court chambers in support for a system of public financing races of the for state Supreme Court.
