We the People/Wisconsin Supreme Court debate

A one-hour, live debate between State Supreme Court candidates David Prosser and JoAnne Kloppenburg. Together with moderators Frederica Freyberg and Eric Franke, citizens from around the state will question the candidates. The debate will be seen on all stations of Wisconsin Public Television and can also be seen here, streamed live.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court, composed of seven justices, is the state's highest court. Located in the state Capitol, it has appellate jurisdiction over all Wisconsin courts and has discretion to determine which appeals it will hear. The Supreme Court may also hear original actions -- cases that have not been heard in a lower court. The court selects the cases it will review based on criteria described in the Wisconsin Statutes.

In addition to its case deciding function, the Supreme Court has administrative and regulatory authority over all Wisconsin courts and the practice of law in the state.

During the spring 2011 election two candidates for the open seat in the Supreme Court, incumbent Supreme Court Justice David Prosser and JoAnne Kloppenburg, will be on the ballot. To give Wisconsin citizens the opportunity to hear from and ask questions of the candidates, We the People/Wisconsin will host a live debate between the candidates on Friday, March 25, 2011 broadcast from the Wisconsin Public Television studios. Questions will come from citizens, with guidance from a facilitator with legal expertise in ensuring that questions conform to the parameters in which the judicial candidates can respond. Judicial candidates, for example, may not make promises or commitments on any case, controversy or issue that may come before them if elected, nor may not be members of political parties.

For more information about We the People/Wisconsin or the March 25, 2011 Supreme Court debate, please contact question@wtpeople.com.