What can 2.3 million dollars get you? In this case, a former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice is charged with ethics violations. Michael Gableman is facing serious disciplinary action for his work investigating the 2020 election. The former judge is being charged with misconduct, misuse of funds, and false representation. Wisconsin taxpayers paid $2.3 million. If found guilty, he may lose his law license.
Gableman’s Investigation and Allegations
The Wisconsin Office of Lawyer Regulation (OLR) has filed a comprehensive disciplinary complaint against former Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman, accusing him of multiple ethical violations during his 2020 election investigation. The 10-count complaint alleges misconduct, such as false representation, disruptive behavior, and record destruction.
Concerns about Gableman’s investigation, prompted by a complaint from voting rights firm Law Forward, focus on the misuse of taxpayer funds and the promotion of conspiracy theories. Gableman’s actions allegedly undermined the electoral system’s credibility, prompting criticism from both political parties. Allegations of incompetence, offensive behavior, and violations of the attorney-client privilege tarnish his professional standing.
Repercussions and Criticism
Gableman’s election review was noticeably inefficient, costing state taxpayers more than $2.3 million and yielding little to no significant results. His investigation was fraught with allegations of making false statements, violating open records laws, issuing dubious subpoenas, and accusing mayors and election officials of misconduct without evidence.
“Gableman misused taxpayer funds, promoted baseless conspiracy theories, and engaged in improper intimidation tactics; his efforts undermined the integrity of our electoral system” – Jeff Mandell
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, who hired Gableman in the first place, described him as a “embarrassment” after firing him in August 2022. Gableman’s tenure has been fraught with controversy, including allegations of contempt of court for failing to comply with open records laws and practicing law without proper disclosure.
Potential outcomes for Gableman
If the Wisconsin Supreme Court, with a current liberal majority, finds Gableman guilty of ethical violations, the consequences could range from reprimands to the revocation of his law license.
His case, which Judge Frank Remington forwarded to OLR, highlights the broader implications of such ethical violations, as well as their potential impact on legal practice standards.
As the OLR proceedings continue, the legal community awaits the final decision, which could set a precedent for accountability and ethical behavior in legal investigations.
