Wisconsin Judge Suspended for Misconduct in Two Incidents

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has suspended Dane County Judge Ellen Berz for seven days without pay after finding she violated judicial ethics in two incidents from 2019 and 2021. In one case, Berz made sarcastic and inappropriate remarks to a defendant, failing to uphold standards of patience and courtesy. In the other, she attempted to personally arrest a hospitalized defendant but stopped after the defense attorney warned her about impartiality concerns. The court determined that a suspension, rather than a reprimand, was necessary to reinforce the importance of professionalism and restraint. Berz admitted to the misconduct and accepted responsibility. This is the second recent judicial suspension in Wisconsin, reflecting increased scrutiny of judicial conduct in the state.