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Former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice David Prosser Passes Away at 81 After Cancer Battle

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Published on December 02, 2024
Former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice David Prosser Passes Away at 81 After Cancer BattleSource: Wikipedia/WisPolitics.com, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

David Prosser, the former Justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, passed away at the age of 81 after a long battle with cancer. Prosser's career in public service spanned over four decades, marked by his time as an Assembly Speaker, Outagamie County District Attorney, and his 18 years on the high court bench. His tenure ended with his retirement in 2016.

Reflecting on his contributions, Chief Justice Annette Kingsland Ziegler described Prosser as a person with a "keen intellect and a deep sense of fairness" in every case he handled, as noted by TMJ4. His commitment to the legal profession was also lauded by State Bar of Wisconsin executive director Larry J. Martin, who praised Prosser for working "tirelessly in service to Wisconsin’s citizens, judiciary and legal profession," as referenced from a statement originally reported by JSOnline.

Prior to his time on the Supreme Court, Prosser served in the Wisconsin Assembly as both Speaker and Minority leader, showcasing a tenure in politics before transitioning to the judiciary. His appointment to the Supreme Court in 1998 by then-Governor Tommy Thompson marked a significant moment in his professional journey.

In remembrance, Chief Justice Ziegler conveyed personal sentiments, stating: "But to me, David was more than that: he was my friend. I will miss him greatly." Her respects and acknowledgment of Prosser's dedication to justice were echoed in additional comments by Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, who described Prosser as "an exemplary leader and an inspiration to us all." These comments were obtained from a statement published by WISN.