Federal & Wisconsin Judiciary
Judges perform a unique function.  Federal and State judges provide the U.S. Constitutional Republic, a unique service of protecting freedom and rights as the Rule of Law and Constitutions outline.  Wisconsin judges interpret the law, resolve legal disputes fairly and impartially, and apply statutes and constitutional provisions as written. 

A judge ends conflicts between people or groups by ruling to settle disputes so both parties can move forward according to the Rule of Law.  Judges are entrusted by the public to balance an equation by considering real-world evidence and apply the Rule of Law to provide justice in a fair unbiased fashion.

Judges use established legal philosophies by reviewing relative texts, historical intent, or precedent, to decide if a law is legally supported or violated, rather than relying on personal preference to rule on matters within government, the general public and relations between them.  Legislators write laws, executives uphold laws, while judges act on behalf of the public, members of government, businesses and organizations, by identifying if actions of individuals or groups of people abide by the law or violated it.

When a specific action or regulation by a federal agency or official is challenged in court, a judge decides whether it violates the U.S. Constitution or Federal statutes.  No position within the U.S. Government or members of the public are shielded from the powers granted to Federal or State judiciaries.

Wisconsin Judges are Elected
Election of Wisconsin Municipal, Circuit, Appeals and Supreme Courts judges grants the public multiple opportunities:

• The public can monitor and manage judges and courthouse staff to ensure compliance with State and Federal standards
• Vote fittingly by researching candidates to know who will uphold judicial responsibilities
• Become informed of judicial responsibilities to inform judges and courthouse staff of being qualified to monitor if actions are compliant with pertinent legislation and Supreme Court Rulings.
• Speak out locally to challenge reelections for judicial violations

Public Trust of the Judiciary
Courts foster trust by treating everyone equally under the law, ensuring open legal processes, and allowing all parties a fair chance to be heard with dignity and respect. Courts earn trust when judges make decisions based strictly on the Constitution and the law rather than partisan politics, public pressure, or personal interests and adhere to strict codes of conduct. Public trust involves judges showing impartiality, ethical conduct, procedural fairness, and clear legal reasoning. Because the judicial branch does not have the power of the purse (legislative) or the sword (executive), its legitimacy relies almost entirely on confidence in its decisions and personnel.