(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Heather Iverson was sworn in to her elected seat on the circuit court on August 1st, 2024. Today, her investiture will occur at 4pm. She fills a vacancy that was previously held by a legendary member of the Wisconsin court system, Judge Bruce Schroeder, who began his new life in retirement a few months ago.
Judge Bruce Schroeder is most popularly known for presiding over the Kyle Rittenhouse case. Some praised him for his handling of the case and others found things to criticize. Although many have black and white opinions about Judge Schroeder based on that snapshot in time, Kenosha County Eye sat down with him to discover more about the depth and breadth of his career, his character, and some of his personal thoughts now that he is newly retired.
After more than 50 years of involvement and work in the justice system, Schroeder’s career record is formidable. He worked for the Whitefish Bay police force while in college, earning degrees in history and political science, as well as his Juris Doctor from Marquette University. He was then hired as the Assistant District Attorney in Kenosha, where he met his future wife on the first day. He later went on to fill the role of District Attorney. After leaving that office, he ran a private practice, served as a court commissioner, and was eventually appointed to the Wisconsin Circuit Court in 1983 by Governor Tony Earl. To date, he is Wisconsin’s longest-serving circuit court judge, having been re-elected seven times.
Even more notable than the career accomplishments Judge Schroeder has accumulated is his reputation. Lawyers and jurists across the state know him as fair, level-headed, and whip-smart judge. He is known for doling out tougher sentences than most, and has mastered the art of “chewing people out” in an authoritative, but professional and polite manner. “I’m not afraid to tell people what I think,” he said. Judge Schroeder also talked about how he is strongly against making deals, a rare opinion these days. He said lawyers would complain about him, but his response was usually the same: “I said, why should I give you a deal? I got all the evidence I need.” The way Schroeder sees it, he’s not necessarily a tough sentencer, or rigid in his handling of the court. He’s a fair sentencer in a world of greased palms, and remains committed to an unwavering set of personal ethics.
Judge Schroeder spoke earnestly and often of his respect for the jury system. “I have to understand what my role is,” he said humbly. “My role is not to second guess the jury.” When asked if he ever publicly shares his opinion on a jury’s verdict, he said it’s not even on the table. “I have never done that with any jury. And in fact, I don’t even talk about cases that I didn’t try.” Judge Schroeder doesn’t care to comment even on famous cases such as O.J. Simpson or George Floyd, not wanting to overshadow the jury’s decision or make any assumptions. He is known for stating that he believes the jury’s cumulative knowledge is higher than his own. But what does he do when the jury lays down a verdict he doesn’t agree with? “One thing I learned over the years is to respect the jury because I’ve had people acquitted often who I thought were guilty. I’ve had people convicted I thought were innocent.” He went on to tell of a case in which he did not agree with the jury’s guilty verdict, but gave a sentence appropriate for the crime. “I didn’t torment over it, but I sure didn’t like it.” The convicted man later wrote a letter to Schroeder from prison, admitting his guilt. “I should give you five years off just for making me feel better!” he joked.
When asked about the Rittenhouse case specifically, Schroeder declined to answer many questions. But he again spoke of the importance of the jury, and noted his great respect for the people chosen in that trial. “What a wonderful group,” he said sincerely. “We picked that jury in one day.” He later commented on the protests that took place frequently outside the court house, and how he wanted to ensure the jury felt safe. “I sent the bailiff up. Said to go ask the jury if they want to be moved to another part of the building.” But the jury sent back a message: “We’re drowning it all out by discussing the evidence.” We asked Judge Schroeder what the deciding factor was in his decision to allow cameras into the courtroom for such a prominent case. Again, integrity was his compass. “The fact that the public could see for themselves and make their own judgments about what had happened.” He spoke further about not wanting the public to be forced to rely on the media, or the “distorters” as he refers to some journalists. He understood that transparency was important in that moment, and worked hard to provide it to the American people.
After working so long in the justice system, Judge Schroeder has developed an abnormal ability to discern what is worth passing judgement on and what is not in his personal life. His experience has resulted in an ironclad ability not to make up his mind about anyone without knowing the true story—a quality we could all be improving on these days. During the interview, Schroeder referenced his admiration for Supreme Court Justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas, and he displayed a substantial knowledge of both United States and Catholic history. When asked if his faith as a Catholic has had an impact on his personal life and how he votes, he said it does play a role. “I have been fortunate that thus far my faith and my political beliefs have been congruent,” he added. Early in his life and career, Schroeder was a staunch Democrat. “I was a proud and loyal Democrat,” he said. “The kind that doesn’t exist anymore.” He is now a Republican, stating “I didn’t leave the Democrat Party. The Democrat Party left me.” When asked what he thinks is the difference between the Democrats of the 1970’s and today, he recalls the reactions of both major political parties when Kennedy was assassinated. “Everyone in the country, Republican, Democrat, was just horrified and saddened.” He went on to explain that the polarization of our country has led so many to be morally challenged, such that if a sitting president were assassinated today, many would actually be happy about it. This interview was conducted in the Fall of 2023. Given the recent event in Butler, Pennsylvania and the assassination attempt against President Trump, it would seem that Judge Schroeder’s instincts were correct.
After half a century of lending his experience and wisdom to the Kenosha County judicial system, as well as being a steadfast example of what ethical authority should look like, Schroeder remembered that he used to be afraid of public speaking. “They say you’re drawn to the things you’re most afraid of,” he remarked. When asked if he will miss being in the courtroom, Judge Schroeder responded, “I’m sure there will be days when I will. I’m just enjoying the freedom I’ve got now.” There are few today that can rival Judge Schroeder’s unparalleled fairness, enthusiasm for justice, and rock-solid values. We wish him the very best in this next chapter.
Story by Catalina Jorgenson, Special to Kenosha County Eye, using notes from interview of Judge Schroeder by Kevin Mathewson, Editor.
29 Responses
Very well written
Nice read .
He was a brilliant and fair judge, absolutely diligent in following the US Constitution. He was courteous and respectful to all, down to the lowest members of society. But woe to the criminals he sentenced if they tried excusing their behavior to him. Child abusers in particular were abhorrent.
Those two could be brothers!
Birds of a feather, play false flags together
I love your comment . Stupidity girded by anonymity. Speaking of birds, you’re a chicken.
I was going to ask…are you two related🤣
The old judge from the Rittenhouse false flag. Notice everyone involved at a high level had been retired or shuffled. Judge, David Beth, DA
The fact that they were all at retirement age had nothing to do with it, huh?
I tried a minor offense case in front of Judge Schroeder as a Pro Se litigant. He was patient with me, explained the process, let me state my case, cross examine the States witnesses, corrected me when I was off point but in a very respectful manner. When he found me guilty, I wasn’t disappointed, I was happy that I had my day in court and that I didn’t take a plea with dirty DA’s office. Judge Shroeder also cut me a break on the fine ! He’s already missed.
` I remember this judge from the Rittenhouse trial. I followed that case even before the trial watching very carefully the camera footage of the incident.I thought what the hell why are the authorities trying him for murder.I remember the horrible media coverage.The only place I found honest coverage was from a British media The Daily Mail
False flags like the Rittenhouse show are often reported more accurately by overseas media. Usi media is controlled by gov and the jews. This was clearly gov orchastrated many moons ago. Notice the shuffling of the actors like the judge, David the drunk sheriff, Da, police chief, mayor, ect. All retired or resigned. Court cases moved out of kenosha county like with the pervert that was supposedly shot. All fake.
False flag?
How stupid are you?
That pedo was way too stupid to have participated in mk ultra training.
Same for the other dip shit.
Ted Kazinski went to Harvard.
Who do you think would have picked Rittenhouse for participation in a false flag? Did Rittenhouse not really take out the trash that day and it was a CIA sharp shooter on a grassy knoll?
Gague G is lucky to be alive after trying to play commi cop.
I wonder how prevalent the Kenosha Riot False Flag theory is in the libtard community?
I like your handle . Instead of Lydia Spottswood, I prefer Chlamydia Snottswood. To me, more fitting. I thought Kyle did well that night. I wish he would’ve gotten yellow pants guy though . Then we really would’ve had a circus. Gnome sayen?
was 911 a ff or the Gulf of Tonkin 1964 a false flag? Why would the non-united states of Israel USI use ff’s and attack itself? that would never happen. the gov would never poison its people with a bioweapon. yup, and Rome would never poison the well. wake the fuck up. govs use ff’s all the time. cited source from BBC https://www.bbc.com/news/world-60434579
grape is the best flavor kool-aid
Ok Alex Jones.
Is this T. Claire Binger ? 🤡
You need to get your head out of your a$$ before we lose this country to the Democrats. There’s a time to call “false flag” and a time to get off the bench and fight and do the work (door knock, election observe, etc.). Sitting around and talking about George Webb 4chan topics is t helpful nor will it win this election.
Thank You Judge Bruce Schroeder for your service.
He was a pig, biased judge and a known trumper who favored rittenhouse, glad he is gone!
You have TDS. Rittenhouse was tried by an assistant DA. Did you see any of the video of what happened? Gravely obviously thought neither he nor the assistant could win. Rittenhouse was tried in front of a 12 person jury of Kenosha County citizens. One can assume they were politically divided. Schroeder had little to do with the unanimous decision to acquit, and the deliberations were brief.
If ever there was a biased, pig judge, it is the clown who oversaw the kangaroo court trial of Trump in New York. You probably don’t know or can explain the actual charge.
He can’t even spell anonymous.
Clearly a Dummycrat.
I loved Judge Schroeder in that trial.
He eviscerated Binger and Big Boy .
You’re right about Gravely. He had no intention of stepping in this cowpie.
He’s a coward.
Troll on, troll.
This was so well written and shows what a wonderful judge he’s been throughout the years, that it almost
makes me wish that I’d had a chance to be in court. LOL!
I testified many times over the years in Judge Schroeder’s courtroom and he was always fair and respectful to all parties involved. Had a lot of respect for him and I cannot say that about judges. He will be missed.
https://kenoshacountywi.publicjailrecords.com/app/arrest.php?subject=28792 Here is one to open some eyes in regards to our DAs office and cutting people slack to just have them reoffend in the community putting JOHN Q public at risk. Please look into this Kevin three months ago released for bail jumping charges dropped now this ☝️
This is an excellent article. Our county has been incredibly fortunate to have him as a judge. He was revered for his integrity and honesty, and those in orange jumpsuits resented him because he showed no mercy to those breaking the law. He remained unfazed by the opinions of the liberal media; in fact, he displayed their articles prominently in his conference room.
Thank you for the insightful article, Mr. Matt Kevingston