Wis. Supreme Court hears recuse issues, Ohio Supreme Court holds judicial selection forum

Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman has refused to recuse - or dismiss - himself in a criminal appeal. Milwaukee lawyer Robert Henak claimed Gableman has shown bias against criminal defendants and should step aside.

According to GavelGrab, Henak said Gableman’s defense of a television advertisement reflects his bias.

A three-judge panel recently heard oral arguments in an ethics case about whether Gableman’s recent campaign television ad is a lie.

Wisconsin State Supreme Court justices will hear two petitions proposing new approaches to judicial recusal on Oct. 28. Both The Brennan Center and Justice At Stake will testify at the hearing.

For more information on Gableman’s ethics case, check out GavelGrab.

The Ohio Supreme Court will host a conclave on judicial selection Nov. 19 - 20.

“A Forum on Judicial Selection: A Time for Action” will focus on if Ohio is prepared to move from judicial elections to appointments for state Supreme Court justices. The forum is expected to have around 50 participants.

Because current justices have been successful at the ballots, many are weary of change.

Those in favor of changing the current process to an appointment system say the plan is contingent on whether Republicans and Democrats are willing to engage in the movement.

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Conner will headline the event and be moderated by former Ohio Attorney General Nancy Hardin Rogers. O’Conner will make a case that electing judges damages the cause of justice.

Other leaders who will participate in person or through a representatives are Gov. Ted Strickland, Ohio Senate President Bill Harris, Ohio House Speaker Armond Budish, Ohio Senate Minority Leader Capri Cafaro and Ohio House Minority Leader Bill Batchelder.

For more information on the forum, check out the Ohio State Bar Association and the Dayton Daily News.