(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
KENOSHA, Wis. – Circuit Judge Chad Kerkman’s behavior is drawing fresh outrage inside the Kenosha County Courthouse, with multiple incidents in recent weeks leaving legal insiders alarmed about what they describe as a dangerous downward spiral.
In one recent hearing, a Spanish-speaking litigant required the assistance of a court-certified interpreter — a respected professional with years of experience in the Wisconsin court system. Because of a delay in Kerkman’s courtroom, the interpreter stepped into another hearing nearby, a routine practice in a system facing an acute shortage of qualified interpreters. When she hurried back, observers say Kerkman exploded in anger. He reportedly berated the interpreter in front of others, kicked her out of his courtroom, and then banned her from ever working in his courtroom again.
Legal experts say such a “ban” is unprecedented and possibly unlawful. With interpreters already in short supply across Wisconsin, they warn this move could worsen backlogs and delays for litigants who rely on interpreters for basic access to justice.
The outbursts have not stopped there. According to courthouse sources, a commissioner recently ended a phone call with Kerkman in tears. Kerkman allegedly yelled and degraded the commissioner so harshly that they left their courtroom sobbing, with tears running down their face. Colleagues say this was not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of hostility that has intensified since Kerkman was named deputy chief judge.
That appointment, made by Chief Judge Wynne Laufenberg of Racine County, is largely honorary. Under Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 70.26, the deputy chief judge has no independent authority and only assists the chief judge when delegated. Kerkman himself acknowledged as much in a November 11, 2024 email to Kenosha County Eye, explaining that the role merely provides “assistance to the chief judge in administrative areas” and that “duties and authority are delegated by the chief judge.”
Yet insiders say Kerkman is acting as if the title grants him sweeping powers. “He thinks he’s running the courthouse,” one attorney said. “He’s using the title as a license to bully people.”
Here is an example from a court hearing from the pandemic when Judge Kerkman was polite in court:
In recent months, Kerkman has already drawn criticism for threatening to fire Circuit Court Commissioner William Michel II over photography in his courtroom, for berating District Attorney Xavier Solis over judges’ meetings despite a clear separation of powers, and for a string of decisions that higher courts have reversed.
Now, with an interpreter barred from his courtroom, a commissioner publicly humiliated to the point of tears, and a courthouse community describing his actions as an “authority-sparked rage,” many fear the fallout is spreading. Lawyers, court staff, and even litigants are quietly sharing their experiences with Kenosha County Eye, painting a picture of a judge whose behavior is no longer just embarrassing but actively harming those who work in and depend on the justice system.
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27 Responses
Last name Kerkman…. Automatic license to do whatever you want in Kenosha county!!!!
“Lawyers, court staff, and even litigants are quietly sharing their experiences with Kenosha County Eye . . .”
The Eye sees all. It’s hard to escape The Eye.
Criminal or cop, taxpayer or not, everyone is watching, listening, and reporting to EYE.
You are messing with the wrong hambre, Jerk/man.
Wow some power go to people’s head….
It’s all of Kenosha county falling apart! Upper management really needs to be looked at!
“Upper management.” Great stuff! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O95fnszzI6I
Yep, both Kerkmans and Sam’s department and division heads are driving things right into the ground. Good thing they’re easily replaced when she loses next year.
RPKC, start looking for a viable candidate to challenge her. She gotta GO, because her terrible appointees GOTTA GO. Losing lots of good employees at a high rate because the highest levels of leadership are wholly inept.
Rumor has it, Highways is installing a revolving door, because of how bad Billingsley and Boldt have muddied everything.
What a tyrannical a**hole.
Yes, the judge is. However, he is also a mini me of President Trump. It is impossible to deny it
You again? Don’t forget to feed sleepy Joe. The People voted for Trump, ain’t ya aware?
LMAO nice try. No one cares if you’re mad about your President- he’s still your President.
Yes, no need to be mad about judge Kerkman. He is still your judge.
You shouldn’t be doing this while working at our expense.
Again, nice try at deflection from your TDS
this man seems out of control. this could be the result of taking da jab
No. Just being himself.
I guess Judge Rossell was chief judge for four or five years and still not even close to Jerkman when it comes to abuse. I would say it’s everyone working at the courthouse’s fault. No one ever dared to stop this clown whenever he acted unprofessionally. Give a little power to a loser, and there you go—suddenly no one can stop him. Everyone is too afraid of losing their job. Without the robe, he’s the most vulnerable coward you’ve ever seen.
Chief Judge Wynne Laufenberg should be concerned. Imagine multiple requests for surety and or indemnity bonds regarding certain behavior, especially if constitutionality is a question. Imagine losing provisional control and it landing in the 7th District federally. I’d be concerned.
What a jerk face!!!
I would like to see Kerkman drug tested. His irrational behavior likely suspect of a person under the influence/major monkey on his back. (No pun intended Monkey-man Binger).
Bet Bing Bing knows. Sammy the cow (Underboss of Kenosha County crime family) too.
Raid the cabin Zoerner! Then of course let him go. You do this so well.
A reality series should be made on this Kenosha shit show, very entertaining.
I don’t think drugs are the issue. He’s been like this for many years, even before getting elected.
We could use more quality on the circuit court bench.
Checking to see if I can make an anonymous comment? Before I share my story.
Choad Kerkman…
The people who really want to improve conditions need to get out and vote. Otherwise, they deserve the Kerkman’s, Zoerner, Bagdala, KUSD board members.
If the parties feel the need to control things as much as they do, they need to find better candidates.
Sam’s term is up in 6/7 months. Why haven’t we heard about RPKC running someone against her?
Nobody has the balls to tell him to piss off?! He’s no better than anyone else out there.