1. United States
2. N.D.
3. Letter

The arrest of Judge Brett Dugan for alleged ethics violations in Wisconsin poses a grave threat to judicial independence and the rule of law. Judges must be free to issue rulings based solely on the facts and merits without fear of retaliation or intimidation from law enforcement. This alarming situation could have a chilling effect that erodes public trust in the impartiality of the justice system, extending far beyond Wisconsin's borders. To uphold the sanctity of the judicial branch as a co-equal pillar of American democracy, immediate action is imperative. A thorough, transparent investigation into the motivations and procedures surrounding Dugan's arrest must be conducted. Any overreach or politically motivated conduct by the officials involved demands accountability through formal reprimands and potential removal from office to send an unequivocal message that such affronts to judicial autonomy will not be tolerated. The consequences of inaction risk irreparable harm to constitutional order and the foundations of justice.