A bipartisan coalition of 138 retired judges is calling on a federal court to dismiss charges against Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan, arguing that her arrest violates long-standing principles of judicial immunity. Dugan was indicted for allegedly preventing immigration authorities from arresting a man during a federal operation at her courthouse on April 25.
In a legal brief filed Friday, the group asserts that Dugan’s actions—whether controversial or not—fall under her official duties and are protected by absolute judicial immunity. “This is the same immunity afforded to members of the legislative and executive branches,” the judges wrote. They warn that the prosecution constitutes “egregious overreach” by the executive branch and threatens public trust in the judiciary.
Dugan has pleaded not guilty to charges of obstruction and concealing an individual to prevent arrest. Her trial is set to begin the week of July 21.
The judges caution that prosecuting Dugan could deter judicial independence and create a chilling effect for courtroom decision-making.
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CBS News – MBFC Rating
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