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Investiture celebrates Justice Roggensack

By: dmc-admin//September 17, 2003//

Investiture celebrates Justice Roggensack

By: dmc-admin//September 17, 2003//

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Roggensack-Son

Patience D. Roggensack is sworn in as Wisconsin’s 72nd Supreme Court justice while her son, Matthew, holds the family Bible

“Fair.”

“Even-handed.”

Author of “high-quality opinions.”

These were just a few of the words of praise directed at the state’s newest Supreme Court justice during her investiture ceremony Friday.

Several hundred friends, colleagues, family members and supporters gathered in the State Capitol’s Assembly room, as Patience D. Roggensack, 63, celebrated her investiture to the Supreme Court. Roggensack was privately sworn in back in July.

George K. Steil Sr., of Milwaukee’s Brennan, Steil, Basting & McDonald SC, supported Roggensack’s bid for the Supreme Court, noting that her trial and appellate experience helped her understand both sides of the bench. Steil also told the assembled group that her decisions “concisely demonstrate a thorough understanding of the law.”

Repeated reference was made during the ceremony to the concise nature of Roggensack’s opinions, something she has said serves the courts and the public well.

Roggensack-Present

Judge Thomas Cane gives Roggensack a gift — a campaign sign bearing the signatures of her former court of appeals colleagues.

Prof. Marygold S. Melli of the University of Wisconsin Law School also praised Roggensack and her ability to author opinions. Melli also observed the new justice’s logical transition from the court of appeals, which she described as a logical training ground for Supreme Court justices.

Roggensack is the first judge in the 25-year history of the court of appeals to make that move. Her addition to the court also marks the first time that women have held a majority of seats on that bench. Her three other female colleagues are Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson — the first woman to sit on the high court — and justices Ann Walsh Bradley and Diane S. Sykes.

The most heart-felt comments came from Ellen Brostrom, Roggensack’s daughter, who spoke of her mother’s teachings and influence on her own life. Brostrom, a principal at Earle & Brostrom, described how her mother fueled her desire to strive for justice for each person.

“I learned from my mom the equal dignity and worth of all people,” Brostrom said.

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Wisconsin Supreme Court

Roggensack was sworn in Friday by Abrahamson, while Matthew Roggensack held the family Bible for his mother.

Abrahamson explained that one way to keep institutions current and vibrant is to bring new people into them. The investiture reminds the court of the need to stay abreast of change, she said.

“Pat, with fondness for a long-time friend and great wishes and hopes, on behalf of the court, I again say, ‘Welcome.’”

Roggensack said she viewed her election to the state Supreme Court as both
a privilege and a responsibility.

“I hope the people of Wisconsin will determine the 72nd justice is fair, hardworking, in whom they were wise to have placed their trust,” she said.

Tony Anderson can be reached by email.

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