The move would represent a massive shift in state law. Right now, the Supreme Court decides what cases to take and nobody has a right to be heard before the high court. Bypassing the appellate courts and sending appeals straight to the Supreme Court, which is controlled by five conservative-leaning justices, would expedite case resolutions by months or perhaps even years. Janine Geske, a Marquette University law professor and former Wisconsin justice, said the language raises federal and state constitutional equal protection questions. The state Supreme Court could end up ruling on the changes if they become law, he said, but that doesn’t mean it’s a drop-kick win for Republicans.

Source: National Post September 06, 2017 22:02 UTC