Justice to step out of Prosser discipline case

MADISON (AP) -- A state Supreme Court justice says she's recusing herself from her colleague's discipline case.

The Wisconsin Judicial Commission has accused Justice David Prosser of violating judicial ethics when he wrapped his hands around Justice Ann Walsh Bradley's neck during an argument in Bradley's chambers last year. State law calls for a panel of appellate judges to make a discipline recommendation to the Supreme Court.

Prosser has asked four justices to recuse themselves from the matter, including Bradley, Shirley Abrahamson, Pat Crooks and Pat Roggensack, because they witnessed the altercation. If three or more justices agree to recuse themselves, the case against Prosser would likely end due to a lack of quorum.

Roggensack released a memo Tuesday agreeing she is a witness and must disqualify herself.

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