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Wisconsin Federal Judicial Nominating Commission
The Wisconsin Federal Judicial Nominating Commission is an organization charged by the Wisconsin State Bar Association that screens and interview candidates for federal judge and United States Attorney in Wisconsin.[1]
History
The process of Wisconsin using a federal nominating commission to recommend choices for vacancies in the federal judicial system dates back to 1979, when it was instituted by Wisconsin Senators Gaylord Nelson and William Proxmire.[1]
The current charter was established by Senators Ron Johnson (R) and Tammy Baldwin (D) on March 15, 2023.[2]
Members
The current commission consists of six members who screen candidates for vacancies in United States District Courts in Wisconsin, the United States Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit, and U.S. Attorneys in Wisconsin. Members serve two-year terms and must be residents of the state of Wisconsin and members of the State Bar of Wisconsin.[2]
How a commission is formed
When there is a vacancy for a federal judge or a U.S. Attorney, both U.S. Senators activate a new commission. A charter is formed, which details the number of members each senator may appoint. Beginning in 1979, this number was based on the political party of the senators and the president. However, when creating the commission for the 118th United States Congress, Senators Johnson and Baldwin agreed to each appoint three commission members.[2][3]
Process of nominating candidates
Any judge, attorney, or member of the legal community who is in good standing with the Wisconsin State Bar Association can apply. After interviewing the candidates, the commission reduces the list to a group of finalists. Both U.S. Senators interview the finalists before recommending a candidate to the President of the United States.[2]
See also
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 State Bar of Wisconsin, "Federal Nominating Commission," accessed April 18, 2025
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 State Bar of Wisconsin, Federal Nominating Commission', accessed April 25, 2023
- ↑ Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Ron Johnson and Tammy Baldwin reach deal on nominating federal judges', accessed April 26, 2023
Federal courts:
Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals • U.S. District Court: Eastern District of Wisconsin, Western District of Wisconsin • U.S. Bankruptcy Court: Eastern District of Wisconsin, Western District of Wisconsin
State courts:
Wisconsin Supreme Court • Wisconsin Court of Appeals • Wisconsin Circuit Courts • Wisconsin Municipal Courts
State resources:
Courts in Wisconsin • Wisconsin judicial elections • Judicial selection in Wisconsin
