### Wisconsin Supreme Court Reinstates Attorney General's Authority, Overturning GOP Law - On June 17, 2025, the Wisconsin Supreme Court delivered a unanimous ruling that reinstated the powers of the state attorney general, siding with Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul. This decision overturned a controversial law enacted by Republican lawmakers during a lame-duck session in 2018, which aimed to diminish the authority of the attorney general's office. The law had been a point of contention, reflecting broader political struggles in Wisconsin regarding executive power and legislative authority [https://www.ironmountaindailynews.com/news/local-news/2025/06/wisconsin-supreme-court-strikes-down-gop-law-weakening-state-ags-power]. ### Breakdown of the Court's Decision and Its Implications 1. **Background of the Law**: The law in question was passed in December 2018, shortly after the election of Governor Tony Evers, and was designed to limit the attorney general's ability to settle lawsuits and take independent legal action [https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/wisconsin/articles/2025-06-17/wisconsin-supreme-court-strikes-down-gop-law-weakening-attorney-generals-power]. 2. **Supreme Court's Ruling**: The court's unanimous decision emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the attorney general's office, affirming that the law was unconstitutional and undermined the executive branch's authority [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/jun/17/wisconsin-supreme-court-unanimously-strikes-gop-law-weakening]. 3. **Political Reactions**: The ruling has been celebrated by Democrats as a victory for the rule of law and a restoration of checks and balances within state government. Conversely, Republicans have expressed disappointment, arguing that the law was necessary to ensure legislative oversight of the attorney general's actions [https://www.milwaukeeindependent.com/newswire/unanimous-wisconsin-supreme-court-strikes-gops-2018-law-weakening-attorney-generals-power]. 4. **Future Implications**: This ruling may set a precedent for future legislative actions and could influence ongoing discussions about the balance of power between the state legislature and the executive branch in Wisconsin [https://www.wpr.org/news/scowis-sides-with-wisconsin-ag-in-dispute-over-power-to-settle-some-lawsuits]. ### Key Evidence Supporting the Court's Decision - **Unanimous Vote**: The Wisconsin Supreme Court's unanimous decision (7-0) underscores the strong legal consensus against the GOP law, indicating a clear judicial stance on the matter [https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-lame-duck-supreme-court-e7bd470d81eec0b250d948087632eac9]. - **Historical Context**: The law was part of a broader trend of legislative actions taken during lame-duck sessions, which have been criticized for circumventing the electoral will of the voters [https://www.fox6now.com/news/wisconsin-supreme-court-strikes-down-gop-law-weakening-attorney-generals-power]. ### Conclusion: A Landmark Ruling Reinforcing Executive Authority 1. **Restoration of Powers**: The Wisconsin Supreme Court's ruling effectively restores the full powers of the attorney general, allowing for independent legal action and settlements without legislative interference. 2. **Political Landscape Shift**: This decision may shift the political landscape in Wisconsin, reinforcing the authority of the executive branch and potentially influencing future legislative strategies. 3. **Ongoing Legal and Political Battles**: The ruling is likely to fuel ongoing debates about the separation of powers in Wisconsin, as both parties reassess their strategies in light of this significant judicial outcome. In summary, the Wisconsin Supreme Court's unanimous decision marks a pivotal moment in the state's political and legal landscape, reaffirming the authority of the attorney general and challenging the legislative overreach of the past [https://pbswisconsin.org/news-item/wisconsin-supreme-court-strikes-down-gop-law-weakening-attorney-generals-power].