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title: "Janet C. Protasiewicz | KnowJudges"
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# Janet C. Protasiewicz

Wisconsin Supreme Court · Justice

## Profile

- Court: Wisconsin Supreme Court
- State: Wisconsin
- Role: Justice
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-08-22

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### camera notice

Scope: statewide

Wisconsin SCR 61 asks media to give the trial judge advance notice before bringing cameras or recording equipment into the courtroom.

Evidence excerpt: the trial judge shall be given notice, at least 3 days in advance

[Wisconsin SCR Chapter 61: Electronic Media and Still Photography Coverage of Judicial Proceedings](https://www.wicourts.gov/sc/scrule/DisplayDocument.html?content=html&seqNo=1099)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### courtroom equipment control

Scope: statewide

Wisconsin SCR 61 leaves courtroom equipment placement, lighting, and use subject to trial-judge control.

Evidence excerpt: Only equipment approved by the trial judge in advance of the court proceeding may be used

[Wisconsin SCR Chapter 61: Electronic Media and Still Photography Coverage of Judicial Proceedings](https://www.wicourts.gov/sc/scrule/DisplayDocument.html?content=html&seqNo=1099)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### remote hearing notice

Scope: statewide

Wisconsin's court system instructs parties that courts will notify them when a hearing is remote and provide joining instructions.

Evidence excerpt: The court will send you instructions on how to join your remote hearing by video or by phone.

[Wisconsin Court System: Zoom hearing resources](https://www.wicourts.gov/courts/zoom.htm)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### remote hearing technology

Scope: statewide

Wisconsin remote-hearing guidance tells participants to contact the clerk promptly if they lack reliable internet or phone access.

Evidence excerpt: Contact the clerk of circuit court as soon as possible.

[Wisconsin Court System: Zoom hearing resources](https://www.wicourts.gov/courts/zoom.htm)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.wicourts.gov/courts/supreme/justices/)
- [Official roster](https://www.wicourts.gov/courts/supreme/justices/)
- [Wisconsin Court System official judicial roster](https://www.wicourts.gov/courts/supreme/justices/)
- [Wisconsin SCR Chapter 61: Electronic Media and Still Photography Coverage of Judicial Proceedings](https://www.wicourts.gov/sc/scrule/DisplayDocument.html?content=html&seqNo=1099)
- [Wisconsin Court System: Zoom hearing resources](https://www.wicourts.gov/courts/zoom.htm)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- Janet Claire Protasiewicz is an American attorney and jurist from Wisconsin, currently serving as a Justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court since August 1, 2023
- Elected in the April 4, 2023 general election to replace Justice Patience D. Roggensack, whose retirement opened the seat
- The first justice elected in 2023, and her election shifted the partisan balance of the Wisconsin Supreme Court for the first time in 15 years
- Before joining the Supreme Court, Protasiewicz held the role of a Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge (Branch 24) from 2014 to 2023, first elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2020.
- Official site: Wisconsin Court System – Justice Janet C. Protasiewicz
- She also worked for 25 years as an Assistant District Attorney in Milwaukee County, prosecuting violent crimes

### Education

- Marquette University Law School — J.D. (1988)
- in Education, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee — B.A. (1985)

### Additional information

- Her term runs until July 31, 2033.
- In her 2024–25 term, Protasiewicz authored majorities in cases such as Wisconsin Voter Alliance v.
- handling termination of parental rights cases, and protecting children in need.
- Secord and McDaniel v.
- DOC, applying the Kalal framework with procedural restraint.
- WEC and Evers v.
- Marklein, and has issued concurrences in high-profile matters.
- In circuit court, she handled a wide range of cases, including homicides, sexual assaults, drug offenses, domestic violence, and family law matters such as divorce and child custody.
- She also joined majorities in structural cases like Brown v.
- Protasiewicz has taught Trial Advocacy at the National Advocacy Center in Columbia, SC, and at Marquette University Law School.
- She has also volunteered with the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Polish Heritage Alliance, and Marquette University Law School.
- She has received the Community Involvement Award from the Association of Women Lawyers and the Women of Influence Award from the Wisconsin Law Journal.
- She is a member of the Wisconsin Bar Association, Milwaukee Bar Association, Association of Women Lawyers, and Marquette University Law School Alumni Board.

