In recent weeks many citizens have characterize Judge Annette Ziegler’s feelings about her ethical lapses as being smug and arrogant. While for many Wisconsin citizens who have been following this story for the past two months, such words unfortunately, while true and providing us all with some solace, still misses the most salient feature of this case.
I believe it’s much more accurate to label her seemingly persistent indifference and perception of having done northing wrong as a character deficit, or if you prefer, a most significant “blind spot.” A judge who knowingly refuses to accuse herself and rules based on her own personal style versus interpreting and obeying the state’s codified judicial ethics and the law is clearly unfit to serve on this state’s highest court.
What other conclusions can a reasonable person and the Wisconsin State Supreme Court come to when Judge Ziegler still, to this very moment, continues in the print media to persistently discount and ignore institutional norms regarding judicial propriety---including even the appearance of partiality – over and over again? Obviously, even after being informed and rebuked repeatedly, the person still continues to fail to admit the error of her ways and apologize.
This is more than a personality trait, but fundamental evidence to how she is most likely to perform as a jurist under similar circumstances in the future. It goes to the heart of a fundamental question. Judge Ziegler, what is it that you don’t understand about equity, fairness, and impartiality?
Respectfully, William R. Benedict
