State judicial regulators demand discipline panel

Justice Prosser asks colleagues to recuse themselves from discipline case

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin regulators are again demanding the state Supreme Court establish a panel to weigh accusations Justice David Prosser wrapped his hands around a fellow justice’s throat.

The state Judicial Commission told the court last month state law mandates the justices form the panel. The commission’s attorney, Franklyn Gimbel, reiterated the request Tuesday.

The commission contends Prosser violated judicial ethics when he allegedly wrapped his hands around Justice Ann Walsh Bradley’s throat during an argument last year. The commission wants the court to appoint a three-judge panel to consider its complaint.

Prosser maintains panel formation takes a formal order from the court. He’s trying to make sure that doesn’t happen by demanding the justices recuse themselves from the matter because they witnessed the altercation.

Gimbel said Prosser’s arguments lack merit.