Roggensack presides as Wisconsin Supreme Court chief

MADISON (AP) — Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Pat Roggensack has presided as chief justice for the first time after being elected by her colleagues to replace longtime Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson.

Roggensack took the center spot in the Supreme Court chamber as chief justice Monday at a swearing-in ceremony for Marquette University Law School graduates. Abrahamson was scheduled to administer the oath, but she was not present.

Abrahamson has filed a federal lawsuit arguing that she can't be removed as chief justice until her term ends in 2019. Voters last month approved a constitutional amendment allowing the justices to choose who should serve as chief.

The four justices at Monday's swearing-in ceremony all voted for Roggensack. Justices Ann Walsh Bradley and Patrick Crooks were also absent.