LAKE GENEVA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Jill Karofsky Wednesday urged the Legislature to approve the addition of eight new judges across the state, including two for Brown County and one in Shawano/Menominee counties.
A recent study on judicial workload said about 30 judges and court commissioners are needed statewide. Brown County had the single-highest deficit, with a need for five more judicial positions.
Brown County currently has eight circuit court judges and four commissioners.
That said, the court’s budget request for 2027-29 asks for eight positions, as well as $3 million for improved courthouse security, in light of 129 documented security threats in 2025. The Legislature will review the budget in spring. The next state budget cycle starts July 1, 2027.
Chief Justice Karofksy addressed the upcoming budget as part of her annual State of the Judiciary address at a conference in Lake Geneva.
“Cases take more of a judge’s time than they used to. Filing counts don’t begin to capture the hours spent reviewing submissions, holding hearings, and making hard decisions,” she said. “Fully functioning courts are not a partisan issue.”
As for security, she wants a state grant program for courthouse security improvements, as well as additional security positions to protect the judiciary.
The Chief Justice also called for pay raises for judges, district attorneys, defense attorneys and court staff.
