Delafield, Wis. – The Institute for Reforming Government (IRG) released another “Court Watch” primer detailing how the Wisconsin Supreme Court is the last check on the Administrative State on Monday. The primer outlines important cases where the Wisconsin Supreme Court has served as a check on bureaucracy.
WHY IT MATTERS: Oftentimes lawsuits and legislative oversight are the last two lines of defense against the power-hungry moves of Madison bureaucrats set on running our lives, whether from the Department of Natural Resources or Department of Revenue. The state constitution embodies a simple but profound principle—the separation of powers—to ensure that our liberties are protected. Bureaucrats are often working to expand their empire, and it’s imperative we have a Wisconsin Supreme Court that keeps those efforts under control.
THE QUOTE:
“Wisconsin bureaucrats do not have unchecked authority to exert control over our lives. They derive their authority from the legislative branch and must answer to the judiciary,” said Jake Curtis, General Counsel and Director of IRG’s CIO. “The Wisconsin Supreme Court is the court of last resort when an agency action or inaction is challenged, and Wisconsinites should be paying attention to the Supreme Court’s willingness to smack down illegal agency action.”
WHAT’S NEXT: State courts impact everyday Wisconsinites’ lives and IRG’s new Court Watch initiative will lead in educating on the importance of the judicial branch.