Milwaukee, Wisconsin — A crisis is unfolding in Wisconsin’s judicial system after a prominent judge announced he might halt courtroom activities in protest of what he decried as the unjustified arrest of fellow Judge Hannah Dugan.
The incident, which has triggered a firestorm of outrage among legal professionals and civil rights advocates, revolves around Judge Dugan’s apprehension last weekend under circumstances many are calling questionable and deeply troubling.
Judge Michael Rosenberg, a senior figure within the Wisconsin judiciary, declared during a Tuesday press conference that he is considering a courtroom boycott unless a thorough and transparent investigation into Dugan’s arrest is initiated.
“Judges must not be treated like criminals without cause,” Rosenberg emphasized. “If we allow this to happen unchecked, we send a dangerous message about the independence and dignity of our judicial system.”
Arrest Sparks Statewide Controversy
According to preliminary reports, Judge Hannah Dugan was pulled over by Milwaukee police officers on Saturday night for what was initially described as a minor traffic violation. However, accounts from eyewitnesses suggest that despite her cooperation, the situation escalated rapidly, culminating in her being handcuffed and detained.
Witnesses allege that Dugan identified herself early in the encounter, but the officers proceeded with the arrest nonetheless. Official footage from body-worn cameras has not yet been made available to the public, further fueling suspicions about potential misconduct.
Legal commentators, civil rights organizations, and multiple state officials have denounced the arrest, viewing it as an affront to judicial independence and basic civil liberties.
The Milwaukee Bar Association issued a statement Monday, calling the detention “deeply unsettling” and demanding an impartial external review.
“An arrest like this not only disrespects a sitting judge, but it also shakes public trust in the integrity of the judicial process,” the statement read. 
Growing Calls for Accountability
Following the incident, multiple judges across Wisconsin voiced their solidarity with Judge Dugan, indicating that they may join Rosenberg’s threatened boycott if decisive action is not taken.
Judge Alicia Winters of Dane County stated bluntly, “The judiciary is not above the law, but we are entitled to the same rights and respectful treatment as every citizen.”
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Wisconsin also weighed in, calling for the immediate release of all footage related to Dugan’s arrest and an independent inquiry into police conduct.
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, while cautious in his remarks, acknowledged the gravity of the situation.
“Anytime an incident like this occurs, it raises serious concerns about fairness and protocol,” Johnson said during a news briefing. “Transparency will be key to resolving this matter in a manner that restores public confidence.”
Governor Tony Evers echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for comprehensive law enforcement reforms to prevent such controversies in the future.
“Equal treatment under the law must be more than a slogan — it must be a reality, particularly when it comes to those entrusted with upholding the Constitution,” Evers remarked.
Judicial Crisis Looms
Should Rosenberg and his supporters proceed with their planned boycott, the consequences could be profound. Wisconsin courts are already grappling with a significant backlog of cases due to pandemic disruptions and resource shortages. A judicial walkout would exacerbate delays in trials, hearings, and rulings, potentially denying timely justice to thousands.
Legal analysts caution that beyond logistical challenges, the standoff could erode public faith in the justice system’s impartiality and independence.
“We’re facing a situation where the very bedrock of judicial integrity is being tested,” warned Dr. Marsha Klein, a constitutional law professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. “This is bigger than one judge; it’s about whether political or police pressure can undermine an independent judiciary.”
Some legal experts argue that the incident reflects broader national tensions between law enforcement and judicial authorities, particularly in an era marked by heightened awareness of police misconduct and civil rights violations.
Judge Dugan Breaks Silence
On Wednesday afternoon, Judge Dugan released her first public comments through her attorney, thanking supporters while urging patience and calm.
“I am moved by the overwhelming support from my colleagues, community members, and the public,” her statement read. “I have immense faith in the principles of justice and due process that I have spent my career defending. I trust that truth and fairness will prevail.”
Judge Dugan, who has served Milwaukee’s courts with distinction since 2016, is widely known for her dedication to fairness, compassion, and service to underrepresented communities. Her background includes extensive work in both civil rights advocacy and criminal justice reform.
Supporters point to her record as evidence that the treatment she received was not only unwarranted but an insult to the very ideals she has championed.
Next Steps
Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman confirmed that an internal review is underway but declined to offer a timeline for when the results would be made public.
“We take these concerns seriously and are committed to a complete and impartial investigation,” Norman said, adding that departmental policies regarding encounters with public officials would also be revisited.
Meanwhile, the Wisconsin Judicial Commission has opened a separate inquiry into the broader implications of the arrest and its potential impact on judicial independence.
For now, court officials are scrambling to prepare contingency plans in case the threatened boycott materializes. Some counties have already begun rescheduling non-urgent matters and exploring remote hearing options. 
Broader Implications
Beyond Wisconsin, legal communities nationwide are closely watching the fallout from Dugan’s arrest. Several national judicial associations have expressed concern, warning that if police actions against judges become normalized, it could have chilling effects across the country.
“Judicial independence is a cornerstone of democracy,” said Judge Karen Russell, President of the National Association of Women Judges. “When judges fear retaliation for simply doing their jobs, every citizen’s rights are placed in jeopardy.”
Whether or not the courtroom boycott ultimately occurs, experts agree that the controversy surrounding Judge Dugan’s arrest has already triggered a critical conversation about respect for the judiciary, accountability for law enforcement, and the need for systemic reform.
As Judge Rosenberg concluded during his press conference:
“Today it’s Judge Dugan. Tomorrow, it could be any judge. And if that day comes, who will stand up for justice then?”
