SCOWIS Justice David Prosser announces retirement after nearly 18 years on the high court

MADISON -- Supreme Court Justice David Prosser has announced he will retire from the state's high court on July 31st, after serving nearly 18 years on the court and four decades in public service.

“It has been a tremendous honor to serve the people of Wisconsin in various capacities for more than 40 years. During this time, I have had the exceptional privilege of working in all three branches of state government, including 18 years as a representative in the state Assembly and 18 years as a justice on the Wisconsin Supreme Court,” Prosser wrote in a letter delivered to Gov. Scott Walker Wednesday, April 27th.

Gov. Scott Walker released the following statement on Prosser's retirement:

"Justice Prosser has faithfully served the state of Wisconsin for decades. Throughout his almost 18 years of service on the state Supreme Court, he demonstrated his love for the law and commitment to Wisconsin’s citizens. His service to Wisconsinites extended beyond the bench, including his time as a member and leader of Wisconsin’s State Assembly as well as a Commissioner on the Wisconsin Tax Appeals Commission. It was a pleasure to serve with Justice Prosser in the Assembly and we thank him for his service to the state of Wisconsin and its citizens."


Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Patience Drake Roggensack said this in a statement:

“Justice David T. Prosser is an exceptionally bright and thoughtful jurist whose presence on the Court will be greatly missed. David has brought unique perspectives to Court discussions, thereby increasing the Court's ability to understand difficult problems presented to us for resolution. Justice Prosser also is a man of courage. As Winston Churchill said, ‘Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.’ David has always been willing to listen, and he has never been afraid to speak up for those who could not speak up for themselves. His dedication to the people of Wisconsin has been a continuing gift that he gave without reservation."


Prosser was first appointed to the Supreme Court by former Gov. Tommy G. Thompson in 1998 to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former Justice Janine Geske.

He was elected to a 10-year term in 2001 and re-elected in 2011.

CLICK HERE and HERE to access biographical information about David Prosser.

CLICK HERE to read David Prosser's official retirement letter submitted to Governor Walker.