The Judge Dugan Trial and Judicial Discretion

Steve Scaffidi hosts a powerhouse legal hour with retired Milwaukee County Judge Mary Kuhnmuench and former U.S. Attorney James Santelle, beginning with Milwaukee’s biggest headline: the trial of Judge Hannah Dugan. They discuss Dugan’s judicial discretion, the jury’s likely considerations, and the boundaries a judge must stay within. The conversation then shifts to major cases before the U.S. Supreme Court — including Trump v. Slaughter on the independence of federal agencies, a lawsuit challenging the legality of Trump’s tariffs (and whether farmers could be reimbursed), and predictions on a new Voting Rights Act challenge. In Closing Arguments, Judge Mary emphasizes “less is more,” urging elected officials and judges to stay in their lane, while James raises the question of whether one branch of government can be held in contempt by another. In the second hour, Steve reacts to President Trump’s insensitive comments on the murder of Rob Reiner, inviting listeners to weigh in. He also discusses holiday overspending as prices remain high and closes with Pay It Forward, encouraging small acts of kindness.