Education
BA from UW-Eau Claire, JD from UW-Madison Law School
I've spent the majority of my career in public service. During and immediately after law school, I worked for the Dane County Circuit Court. Then, after a couple years in private practice, I took my current job with the Marathon County Circuit Court, where I have worked for the last 24 years as a court commissioner and as the staff attorney for the county's judges. Even before that, I grew up with lessons about the importance of public service; my father was a police officer and my mother taught elementary school.
Over the years, I've had thousands of people come before me in court, and they all want to feel like they've been heard. So I've always tried to make them feel that way, especially if I know that I'm going to have to rule against them. I want them to feel like they were treated fairly and with respect, regardless of the outcome.
Openness and communication are important parts of maintaining trust in the impartiality of the judicial official. If there is anything that could appear to indicate favor, it's important for me as the judicial official to make the parties aware of it. Depending on the particular facts, even the potential appearance of bias would be enough for me to recuse myself. For something minor, transparency goes a long way. Wausau is not a large city, so not everyone you see will necessarily be a complete stranger, nor do I think that's a requirement. The important part is fostering an environment where everyone involved can feel like they'll be treated fairly and impartially.
If there is ever a case where I don't believe I can be impartial, I'll take myself off that case. But that has rarely been an issue in the 24 years I've spent working on the bench. I've always made an effort to be guided by the law, even when that leads to results that I might not like.
People are more likely to feel like they've been treated fairly when they can see the judge's reasoning process. So, for that reason, I've always tried to explain the reasons for my rulings, to root the outcome in the facts of the case and the applicable law.
The one U.S. Supreme Court Justice I admire the most would have to be Robert Jackson, who served from 1941 to 1954 (with a leave of absence in 1945-46 to act as chief prosecutor in the Nazi war crimes trials at Nuremberg). Many of his decisions include beautiful language. One of my favorite passages is this one, from West Virginia State Board of Ed. v. Barnette: "If there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion, or other matters of opinion or force citizens to confess by word or act their faith therein."
Candidate has not yet responded.
Committee
Michael Hughes for Judge
Campaign Phone
715-391-9781
Education
University of Wisconsin - Madison (J.D. 2008), University of Pittsburgh (B.A. 2004)
My work as an attorney, my service as a volunteer, and my collaborative efforts to improve the criminal justice system demonstrates my commitment to serving the people of Marathon County, making our courts stronger and more fair and our communities safer. As a lawyer, I have handled thousands of cases including criminal matters for those declared indigent. I have served as a Guardian ad Litem representing children’s best interests, represented families in disputes with insurance companies, and served as a Condemnation Commissioner, resolving issues where the State has taken property. As President of the Marathon County Bar, I have worked with law enforcement, prosecutors and nonprofits to reduce backlogs that delay justice for victims, witnesses, and defendants. Growing up in Wausau helped shape the person I am today. My wife and I are raising our children here. I am a board member of the Wausau Noon Optimists and have served as a youth soccer coach and Wausau East Mock Trial Coach.
Judges play a key role in ensuring equal access to our courts, which is a key component of making sure everyone is equal under the law. My commitment as Judge is to make sure all who come to court can
fully understand and participate in court proceedings. As an attorney, I have represented individuals from a variety of backgrounds in thousands of cases. That experience has helped me understand diverse needs. My courtroom experience is unmatched in this race and has given me a deep and broad perspective on what works in meeting those needs. Courts can improve equal access by making schedule changes or using telephone conferences to accommodate those with disabilities. Translators should be available as necessary. Many people in court do not have a lawyer. As a judge, I will take the time to explain rights and legal concepts in layperson’s terms. Judges must continuously focus on making sure our aspirations for equal justice under the law are realized through specific action.
Wisconsin has an ethics code for judges and rules about when a judge must step aside from a case. As the next Marathon County Circuit Court Judge, I will faithfully and carefully adhere to all the
rules that govern a judge’s conduct and role. As a judge, my courtroom will use proven methods to help ensure fair proceedings and respectful and efficient courtroom management. As I have done as an attorney, I will continuously seek training opportunities that enrich and improve my understanding of best practices and I will continue to work with other stakeholders to share knowledge and learning. The public’s trust and confidence in our courts are undermined when they perceive the system is unfair or biased. We need judges who are impartial and who will make decisions based on the law and the facts. We need judges who will treat everyone in the courtroom with respect. We need judges who are committed to serving with integrity. That is the kind of judge I will be.
In both civil and criminal cases, judges must conduct themselves and manage proceedings to make sure everyone involved in the case feels they were treated fairly and that the judge was fair and impartial. In many civil cases, including family law, individuals are representing themselves without an attorney. For individuals without an attorney, I will take extra time to explain the proceedings in layperson’s terms to help ensure the individual can effectively present their case. In all cases, I will treat all who come before me with respect. I will carefully and clearly explain my rulings and decisions, both from the bench and in writing, so that all parties understand how I reached my decision and on what facts and law they are based. I am honored that a bi-partisan group of more than 135 judges, attorneys, and community leaders have publicly endorsed me because of their trust and confidence that I will serve
with integrity and be a fair and impartial judge.
Chief Justice John Marshall, America’s fourth Chief Justice and the longest serving Chief Justice in history left a significant legacy to our courts and country: the principle of judicial review. Marshall, who served in all three branches of federal government, understood the need for checks and balances and the role of the judiciary as an independent and co-equal branch of government. Judicial review is the power of the courts to decide whether laws are constitutional, and to void those that are not. Judicial review is central to ensuring that none of the three branches of government have too much power. The Constitution provides us with a series of unalienable rights, such as the freedom of speech. It gives us access to information because it provides freedom to the press. It protects us against unreasonable searches and seizures. Judicial review helps protect our rights and liberties and depends on fair, unbiased judges to uphold the Constitution and keep us safe.
Candidate has not yet responded.
