Chief Justice Jill J. Karofsky is reflecting on the Declaration of Independence, the rule of law, and the role lawyers play in protecting rights and ensuring access to justice.
In a recent Wisconsin Lawyer column, “The Declaration of Independence: A North Star for Every Generation,” Chief Justice Karofsky writes that the Declaration remains an aspirational document that has challenged each generation to keep working toward a more perfect union.
The column connects that work to the legal profession and the courts, emphasizing the importance of defending rights, holding government accountable, adhering to the rule of law, and ensuring that no person is above the law or beneath its protection.
“To do this work, our courts must be places where people can seek justice without fear, and where decisions are grounded in law, not politics, pressure, or threats,” Chief Justice Karofsky writes.
The full column is available in Wisconsin Lawyer: The Declaration of Independence: A North Star for Every Generation.
Third Branch eNews is an online monthly newsletter of the Director of State Courts Office. If you are interested in contributing an article about your department’s programs or accomplishments, contact your department head. Information about judicial retirements and judicial obituaries may be submitted to: Sara.Foster@wicourts.gov

