Bonus episode: Interpreting the interpreters
On April 7, Wisconsin will elect a new Supreme Court justice. But how do judges think about law, and what are the way of interpreting a constitution?
Swing State of the Union
In Swing State of the Union, hosts Joy Powers and Sam Woods delve into the pivotal and often overlooked arena of state politics, focusing intently on Wisconsin. This podcast moves beyond the national headlines to examine the forces shaping one of the country's most critical battlegrounds. The conversation centers on the structures of power close to home, particularly the judicial system. Recent bonus episodes serve as a deep investigation into two pressing questions: the mechanisms for holding judges accountable and the varying interpretations of Wisconsin’s constitution by its justices. Listeners will hear nuanced analysis, interviews with key stakeholders, and discussions that connect legal theory to tangible impacts on residents' lives. It’s a timely exploration for anyone seeking to understand how state courts influence democracy, rights, and daily life, offering clarity on complex political and legal landscapes through thoughtful, grounded reporting.
Episodes
Bonus Episode: Who judges the judges?
Wisconsin Supreme Court justices are elected to 10-year terms. But how do we hold judicial officials accountable once they’re in office?
Episode 5: Crawford v. Schimel
Wisconsin’s 2025 election is here. We learn about the candidates, who’s funding them and what’s at stake.
Episode 4: Ethics v. Money
This year’s race for Wisconsin Supreme Court has already become the most expensive in U.S. history. We explore how we got here.
Episode 3: Act 10
Act 10 divided Wisconsinites along ideological lines, including Supreme Court justices. We explore the impact of the law and the many court battles over its legitimacy.
Episode 2: Partisan Judgment
For a nonpartisan race, this Wisconsin Supreme Court election feels very partisan. But it wasn’t always this way.
Episode 1: Welcome to court
Election season is back with the ideological balance of the Wisconsin Supreme Court likely at stake. But what does the court do, and why do we elect justices?
Introducing 'Swing State of the Union' Season 2: Wisconsin's Supreme Court
Why is Wisconsin so important to U.S. politics? Season 2 explores why the nonpartisan Wisconsin Supreme Court race feels so partisan and why it matters.
Episode 10: Live in the Swing State
For the final episode of this season of "Swing State of the Union," we’re live! We discuss the RNC, Wisconsin’s political trends and life in the swing state of the union.
Episode 9: Here we go again
President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are once again vying for Wisconsin’s 10 electoral votes. Here’s how they’re making their case.
