Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Jill J. Karofsky.

Nov. 13, 2025 – Full of gratitude, praising the resilience of Wisconsin’s judiciary, new Chief Justice Jill J. Karofsky’s State of the Judiciary Address yesterday (Nov. 12) at the Annual Meeting of the Wisconsin Judicial Conference in Lake Geneva also raised the hue and cry.

“[I]t gives me no pleasure to say this: the state of our judiciary … is troubled.

“In this moment, we see increasing attacks on judges and the judicial system,” Karofsky said.

“This is happening both at a personal level, with threats and attacks on judges rising. And in our political system, with a new willingness from some political leaders to actively undermine the rule of law.”

Security

“People come to the courts to protect their freedoms and enforce their rights,” Karofsky said. “They come seeking justice. And when they come to the courts to seek justice, they need to be able to find it without fear.”

Karofsky reminded her audience of Juneau County Circuit Court Judge John Roemer, “who was murdered in his own home” – something that “is no longer an isolated incident. Unfortunately, we are experiencing a troubling rise in hostility toward public officials, including judges.”

These threats have touched other judges and Karofsky.

“Local sheriff’s departments and law enforcement work hard” to ensure safety for the peaceful administration of justice,” Karofsky said.

The Judicial Branch also benefits from a sergeant and three officers dedicated to assessing security and threats to the court system. They coordinate with local law enforcement and provide safety assessments for courtrooms, Karofsky explained.

Funding for those four positions lasts through August 2026, Karofsky said.

“I have been in conversations with both the Governor’s office and leaders in the legislature. It is clear to me that safety in our court system is an issue that transcends partisan politics,” Karofsky said. “And I believe our co-branches will do the right thing and invest the necessary funds to keep those four positions active.”

‘Attacks on the Rule of Law’

“It’s not a partisan statement to say we are seeing attacks on the rule of law every day in this country,” Karofsky said. “Especially when the attacks come from political leaders, castigating judges with whom they disagree and seemingly ignoring court decisions they don’t like.

“Those actions undermine the credibility of the judicial system, and they undermine our democracy.”

The antidote is in the judiciary by “build[ing] and maintain[ing] public trust, legitimacy, and confidence in the court system,” Karofsky said.

That’s what Karofsky says is happening. “[W]hat I see around this state are judges doing their very best to serve the public.”

‘Increase Confidence’

Karofsky then focused on what courts “are now doing, and what we can do, to increase confidence in our system and ensure we meet the needs of the people of Wisconsin.”

Collaboration came first to Karofsky’s mind. Contrary to the public expectation of a lone judge, judges talk with each other, seeking advice, mentoring, and building relationships through gatherings like the Judicial Conference.

This spirit continues up to the Supreme Court.

“While people often see headlines about division, what those headlines fail to show is that most of our cases are not decided 4-3. But unanimously, or 6-1 or ​5-2,” Karofsky said.

“We don’t always agree, nor should we,” Karofsky said of her colleagues on the Supreme Court. “But we are – and we must be – collegial towards each other.”

Karofsky sees a community at the high court.

“We have all attended weddings of a court member or funerals for a justice’s family member,” Karofsky said. “When flowers are called for, we pool our money and, yes, even Venmo one another. We sometimes enjoy meals together and moments of levity during stressful conferences.

“And I will tell you that every justice on the Wisconsin Supreme Court is as deeply committed to the rule of law – as to the Brewers, Bucks, and Packers.”

Karofsky seeks “to model the kind of leadership that strengthens this culture” of collaboration throughout the court system.

“To me, that means treating others with empathy, fairness, and respect. It means treating colleagues the way I would want my own children to see a leader behave,” Karofsky explained. “True leadership is not about winning every argument or proving someone wrong. It is about listening, collaborating, and treating people with dignity.”

That collaboration is the strength that allows judges throughout the state to face today’s challenges.

‘We Do Face Challenges’

Karofsky pointed out both those additional challenges and how they are being addressed.

Wisconsin is polyglot. More people need interpreter assistance. “Interpreter and court reporter work groups are exploring new ways to expand the roster of qualified professionals,” Karofsky said.

Rural Wisconsin faces attorney shortages. A lack of lawyers “make[s] it harder for some to get timely representation,” Karofsky explained, which slows cases and can “strain confidence in the courts.”

A work group addressing the rural justice gap “has been developing strategies to connect young lawyers with communities that need them most.”

Someday, new lawyers may be able to transfer bar exam scores to Wisconsin to make it easier to start practicing here, Karofsky said.

“Technology has expanded public access and made it easier for people to participate in court,” she added.

Grateful

Karofsky, who began as chief justice on June 1, emphasized early in her first State of the Judiciary Address her gratitude for the ability to work with the justices on the Supreme Court.

“Every single one of you is a committed leader who wants the best for Wisconsin and works hard to follow the rule of law and uphold the constitution to ensure our justice system works for the people of this state.”

She especially thanked former Chief Justice and current Justice Annette Kingsland Ziegler “for her grace and support as we’ve transitioned from her to me in this role.”

A similar appreciation for the strength of Wisconsin’s judges concluded Karofsky’s remarks.

“So while the state of the Wisconsin judiciary may be troubled – we have what we need to make it strong. Not because our challenges are small, but because we are resilient,” Karofsky said.

Judges facing hard problems head-on will carry the day.

She thanked her colleagues, “especially those of you serving on our trial courts,” who “are the face of justice for most Wisconsinites.”

“The courts of Wisconsin belong to the people of Wisconsin,” Karofsky concluded. “Our responsibility is to keep them safe, open, accessible, and worthy of trust. That is our mission. That is our promise. And together, we will keep it.”